a few folks

USAGE SUMMARY

"a few folks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression when you are referring to a small group of people. Example sentence: A few folks had gathered at the park to enjoy the sunny day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A few folks at Craigslist read Missed Connections ads for a month.

The New York Times

A few folks, myself included, sang a little bit, but that didn't last long.

The New York Times

A few folks wrote back to have their names removed from the list.

The New York Times

You mentioned that you've already tried to connect with a few folks.

Columbia University

A few folks made it to the top of a mountain as well.

Princeton University

A few folks have asked for instructions about how to create this environment.

Yale University

More than a few folks in the chapel said, "Mmm hmm," and smiled.

The New York Times

"We are in talks with a few folks about licensing it for other use," he said.

The New York Times

If there was resistance to change, it was a few folks on the local boards".

The New York Times

"Once a few folks take a moral stand, others usually follow," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

Share what you're working on with a few folks that you trust.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a few folks" in contexts where a slightly informal and friendly tone is appropriate. Avoid it in highly formal or technical writing.

Common error

While "a few folks" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it in formal documents or presentations where more professional language is expected. Opt for alternatives like "several individuals" or "a small group" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few folks" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating a small quantity of people. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it frequently preceding verbs of action or thought.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

24%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few folks" is a common and generally acceptable phrase used to refer to a small group of people. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is considered correct and usable in written English and is found most frequently in News & Media sources. While versatile, it's best suited for informal or neutral contexts, with more formal alternatives preferred in academic or professional settings. When writing, remember to maintain the register consistent with the overall tone of your writing, and choose alternatives like "several individuals" for professional writing and "a small group" for when you need to be accurate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few people

Simpler and more direct phrasing, omitting the informal "folks".

a small group

Directly describes the quantity of people involved.

a handful of people

Emphasizes a small quantity, conveying a sense of manageable size.

a small number

Focuses on the quantity rather than the individuals themselves.

several individuals

More formal alternative, suitable for professional contexts.

a couple of individuals

Indicates an even smaller group, specifically two people.

a number of individuals

Implies a slightly larger group than "a few folks".

some persons

A more stilted and formal substitute for “folks”.

a select few

Suggests a group chosen for a specific reason or possessing special qualities.

certain persons

Indicates specific individuals, possibly with known identities.

FAQs

How can I use "a few folks" in a sentence?

You can use "a few folks" to refer to a small group of people in various contexts. For example: "A few folks came to the meeting" or "A few folks think the project will succeed".

What's a more formal alternative to "a few folks"?

For a more formal setting, consider using phrases like "several individuals", "a small group", or "a number of people".

Is it okay to use "a few folks" in academic writing?

While generally acceptable, using "a few folks" in academic writing depends on the specific context and your instructor's preferences. It might be safer to use more formal alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

What is the difference between "a few folks" and "a few people"?

The terms are mostly interchangeable. "A few folks" adds a slightly more informal or folksy tone compared to the more neutral "a few people".