a few installations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few installations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of installations, typically in contexts related to software, equipment, or systems. Example: "After reviewing the system requirements, we found that there are a few installations that need to be updated."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

However, the industrial application of this procedure is limited to just a few installations.

Radiation Physics and Chemistry

A Few installations of each type of solar cooker have been reviewed and major findings and observations on various aspects of the same are reported.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

A few installations both large and small scale open loop mine water heating and cooling systems have been recently constructed throughout the world.

International Journal of Coal Geology

After a few installations in Canada, Dickson's farm was Livestock Water Recycling's first in the US when it installed the system a year ago.

The Guardian

Many of the chains began with a few installations about five years ago but have picked up the pace in recent years as the price of equipment has plummeted.

The New York Times

It is an unlikely accolade to find bestowed on a remote school in a far-flung part of Brazil, designed by a duo in their early 30s who had built little more than a couple of private houses and a few installations before landing this commission.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

A few installation works stand out as anchors, including Allison Janae Hamilton's immersive "Foresta," which conjures a mythical wood with birch logs, horsehair, and a video of raindrops projected onto a wall of tambourines.

The New Yorker

Installation for another ontology requires specifying the online ontology file and setting a few installation variables.

Bioinformatics

Compared to domestic solar water heating, solar thermal process heat (SPH) generation is still a very small market with only a few hundred installations registered worldwide.

Renewable Heating and Cooling Technologies and Applications

Most of the work is serious, abstracted, yet discernibly landscape-based painting, interspersed with a few shallow installations, drawings, prints, and photographs.

The New Yorker

"We have ramped up a lot because of incentives," Polikov said, noting that prior to the flow of federal dollars, the company was averaging a few hundred installations a year.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few installations", ensure that the context clearly defines what constitutes an "installation" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a few installations" when the actual number is significantly higher, as it can mislead readers. Be precise with your numerical descriptions or use broader terms like "several" or "many" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few installations" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating a small quantity of something that has been set up or placed in position for use. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing this usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few installations" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe a small number of set-ups or systems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and technical writing. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the quantity and type of installations being described. While alternatives exist, the phrase remains a clear and direct way to convey a limited quantity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited installations

Omission of 'a few' emphasizes the restricted number of installations.

several setups

Replaces "installations" with "setups" implying a configuration or arrangement.

a handful of setups

Replaces "a few" with "a handful of" and "installations" with "setups".

some constructions

Uses "constructions" to refer to built structures or systems.

a small set of systems

Uses "systems" to indicate a group of interconnected components.

a limited number of deployments

Emphasizes the aspect of deployment, suggesting a strategic placement.

several sites

Replaces installations with sites referring to physical locations.

a small quantity of units

Focuses on the numerical aspect, using "quantity" and "units".

minimal constructions

Emphasizes the small scale of constructed entities.

sparse deployments

Highlights the infrequent and scattered nature of the deployments.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few installations" to describe a small number of set-ups or systems. For instance, "The company started with "a few installations" before expanding nationwide."

What are some alternatives to "a few installations"?

Alternatives include "several setups", "some constructions", or "a handful of setups" depending on the context.

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

Both phrases are correct, but "a few installations" indicates a small but positive number, while "few installations" implies a scarcity or lack of installations. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

In what contexts is "a few installations" commonly used?

"A few installations" is often used in technical, business, or artistic contexts to describe the presence of a limited number of setups, systems, or art pieces. Example: "There are "a few installations" of solar panels in the area."