a few industries

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few industries" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of specific industries in a discussion or analysis. Example: "In the report, we examined a few industries that have shown significant growth over the past year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But these initiatives affect only a few industries, namely utilities, automakers and, to a lesser extent, industrial companies.

The New York Times

An industrial policy features a cut in payroll taxes but only for a few industries, which will pay a (smaller) tax on turnover instead.

The Economist

A few industries benefited from Mr. Obama's victory, however.

The New York Times

A few industries have remained immune to the drought.

The New York Times

There is a place for specialised consultancies that focus on just a few industries.

The Economist

There are a few industries, such as pharmaceuticals, where this may be necessary.

The New Yorker

They are predominantly farmers with a few industries such as weaving, pottery, wood carving, and ironworking.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a few industries, notably aviation (see article), jobs have already been shed.

The Economist

However, in a few industries, carmaking, for example, debt has been pushed very high.

The Economist

Much of the risk is concentrated in a few industries like trucking, the agency said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Theroux is spilling a few industry beans here.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few industries", ensure the context makes it clear which specific industries you're referring to or implying, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a few industries" to suggest a widespread trend; this phrase indicates a limited impact, not a universal one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few industries" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating a limited quantity of sectors. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few industries" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a limited number of sectors. Ludwig AI analysis demonstrates its frequent use across diverse sources, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedias. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies which industries are being discussed to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "several industries" or "a handful of industries" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several industries

Uses a different quantifier to indicate more than two but not many industries.

a handful of industries

Emphasizes the limited number of industries being referred to.

some industries

A more general term indicating an unspecified but limited number of industries.

certain industries

Highlights specific industries without quantifying them.

a limited number of industries

More explicitly states that the number of industries is restricted.

a small group of industries

Replaces "few" with "small group" for a similar effect.

selective industries

Focuses on the industries being particularly chosen or relevant.

specific industries

Highlights particular industries without quantifying them.

a minority of industries

Indicates that the industries are fewer in number compared to others.

not all industries

Implies that only some industries are being considered, rather than the entirety of them.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few industries" to refer to a small number of sectors, for example: "The new policy primarily affects "a few industries", such as automotive and aerospace."

What are some alternatives to saying "a few industries"?

Alternatives include "several industries", "a handful of industries", or "some industries", each carrying slightly different connotations of quantity.

Is it more appropriate to say "a few industries" or "few industries"?

"A few industries" suggests a small but positive number, whereas "few industries" can imply a smaller number that is almost negligible. The choice depends on the intended emphasis.

What does "a few industries" typically refer to in economic discussions?

In economic contexts, "a few industries" often refers to specific sectors that are particularly impacted by a certain policy, trend, or event.