a few flasks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few flasks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of flasks, typically in contexts related to science, cooking, or storage. Example: "For the experiment, we will need a few flasks to hold the different solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

All that was missing were a few flasks of wine to pass around.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

SRM vessels may offer additional advantages: they are cost-effective (fewer flasks, less labor needed), safer (lower contamination risk), and simpler (culture vessel can also be used for shipment).

Transplantation Proceedings

Heightening her rage with a few swigs from a flask, she drew a crude caricature of her lover and then stabbed and castrated it with a scissors.

The New York Times - Arts

In theory, ANY neighborhood can be a drinking neighborhood provided you have a few bucks and a flask and/or paper bag.

Huffington Post

In most lophophotrochozoan larvae, the apical organ consists of only a few serotonin-like immunoreactive flask-shaped cells (annelids: [ 28- 31]; molluscs: [ 32- 34]; polyclad flatworms: [ 35]; ectoprocts: [ 36, 37]; brachiopods: [ 9, 38]; see [ 27] for review).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Transinfection of cells with Wolbachia is fairly easy to achieve, and amplification of cells to a suitable number is easier, quicker, and requires less space than whole organisms; this study used 24 flasks of cells, which were generated from a single flask in a few weeks.

BMC Genomics

Load your hip flask with a few gorgeous, gut-tingling shots of Tulamore Dew then amble up to the city's favourite chippie, City Fish and Chips on Hardman Street.

The Guardian - Travel

THP-1 cells grew as a single-cell suspension, and only a few cells spread onto the flask substrate.

BMC Infectious Diseases

An alternative method is to remove all except a few drops of medium from the flask, gas appropriately, and seal the flask.

British Journal of Cancer

We took the meat outside with a few hunks of bread and a flask of primitivo, sat on heaving benches with locals and joined in a carnivorous orgy.

The Guardian - Travel

For example, nearly every figure is equipped with an accessory, and sometimes a few: if not a cane or flask, then a hat, purse or cigarette.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few flasks" in scientific writing, specify the volume or type of flasks if relevant to the context for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a few flasks" when a more precise number or descriptive adjective would enhance clarity. For example, instead of "a few flasks", consider "three Erlenmeyer flasks" or "several large flasks".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few flasks" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "flasks". It indicates an indefinite but small quantity of flasks. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few flasks" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a small number of flasks. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, from scientific discussions to casual writing. While versatile, it's important to consider whether a more precise quantifier would be more appropriate, especially in formal or technical writing. Related phrases like "several flasks" or "a small number of flasks" offer alternatives that may convey a more specific meaning. Ultimately, the choice depends on the desired level of precision and the intended audience. Always remember to provide adequate context to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several flasks

Indicates more than two but not many flasks, similar to "a few".

a couple of flasks

Specifically denotes two flasks, a more precise quantity than "a few".

some flasks

Implies an unspecified but small number of flasks.

a handful of flasks

Suggests a small, manageable number of flasks, typically what can be held in one hand.

a small number of flasks

Formally indicates that the quantity of flasks is not large.

a limited number of flasks

Highlights that the quantity of flasks is restricted or finite.

two or three flasks

Specifies a range of possible quantities, more explicit than "a few".

a scattering of flasks

Describes a small, dispersed group of flasks.

a selection of flasks

Implies choosing "a few" from a larger set of flasks.

a small collection of flasks

Refers to a limited assortment of flasks gathered together.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a few flasks" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "several flasks" or "a small number of flasks" for increased precision.

Is it correct to use "a few flasks" in academic writing?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. However, for academic writing, ensure the quantity is appropriate for the context. If precision is needed, specify the exact number instead of using the indefinite "a few".

What does "a few flasks" imply about the quantity?

"A few flasks" suggests a small, unspecified number, typically more than two but less than many. It's less precise than specifying an exact quantity.

What are some common types of flasks used in a laboratory setting?

Common types include Erlenmeyer flasks, round-bottom flasks, and volumetric flasks, each designed for specific purposes such as mixing, heating, or accurate volume measurement.