a few influences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few influences" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the various factors or sources that have impacted a person's thoughts, actions, or creative work. Example: "In her latest novel, the author acknowledges a few influences that shaped her writing style, including classic literature and contemporary authors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A few people have noticed the arpeggiated synth bits have a sort of John Carpenter feel... Sandison: "There are quite a few influences on this record.

The Guardian - Music

Their debut album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, contained more than average amounts of individuality and iconoclasm for its era, but the 1994 release found André 3000 and Big Boi still wearing a few influences proudly on their sleeves.

The Guardian - Music

Moreover, the groups have a few influences on the decrease of N3 gap energy.

International Nano Letters

I have a few influences like Ayurveda.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

During vein growth in the clefts of the Earth, a variety of geological conditions, such as the local deformation rates and the cleft surface texture, as well as the degree of salt supersaturation and the velocity of the solution, to mention a few, influence the evolution of veins, and thus reveal the high complexity of the featured process.

Geothermal Energy

Using only their first names, and deliberating on consensus answers to questions, they said their aim was to overthrow a status quo in which a powerful few influenced the lives of many, and replace it with social justice and equality.

The New York Times

As well as conceding a few intellectual influences (Timothy Wilson Thomas Schellingg) he also confided an addiction to thrillers and car magazines, and a fascination with dog psychology.

The Guardian - Opinion

A few significant influences are recounted here.

SEP

Finally a few other influences are worthy of mention.

SEP

On Transit of Venus, the band added a few electronic influences.

Wikipedia

She was a marriage of a few different influences, including a David Bailey book called "Birth of the Cool" that has all these ultra-glamorous girls with that big hair and that look.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing creative works, use "a few influences" to acknowledge specific sources of inspiration without implying an exhaustive list.

Common error

Avoid using "a few influences" when referring to a dominant or overwhelming impact; instead, use phrases that indicate a stronger degree of influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few influences" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It refers to a limited number of factors that have had an impact. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few influences" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a limited number of factors that have impacted something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various writing contexts, especially in news, media, science, and more informal articles. The usage of the phrase is frequent in contexts related to news and media, as well as in scientific writing. Alternatives like "several factors" or "various inspirations" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. When using this phrase, ensure that the number of influences is indeed small and that their impact is not overstated. With a solid expert rating, "a few influences" stands as a versatile phrase for acknowledging contributing elements without providing an exhaustive list.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several factors

More general, indicating multiple contributing elements.

some contributing elements

Highlights the contribution aspect, may apply to situations needing more formal tone.

various inspirations

Focuses specifically on creative motivations.

a handful of inspirations

Implies a small and distinct group of inspirations.

certain impacts

Focuses on effects and outcomes from some impacts.

some effects

Highlights the consequences or results.

a limited number of determinants

More formal and academic; implies direct causation.

a couple of impacts

Implies fewer and well-defined effects.

several determinants

More direct and general, indicating multiple causes.

some guiding factors

Focuses on the elements that provide direction or guidance.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few influences" to indicate some factors that have an effect on something. For example, "The design of the building shows "a few influences" from classical architecture".

What are some alternatives to "a few influences"?

Alternatives include phrases like "several factors", "certain impacts", or "various inspirations", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a few influences" or "several influences"?

The choice depends on the degree of impact. "A few influences" suggests a smaller and more specific set, while "several influences" implies a larger, less defined group.

What's the difference between "a few influences" and "a couple of influences"?

"A couple of influences" implies exactly two, whereas ""a few influences"" suggests a small number, typically more than two but not many.