a few left

USAGE SUMMARY

"a few left" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that there is a limited number of something still remaining. For example: "We only have a few left of the new sneakers, so you should buy them quickly if you want a pair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

A few left lawsuits behind as parting gifts.

The New York Times

But he still has a few left to go.

The Guardian - Sport

He had a few left: "A fiver if you want one".

The New Yorker

She'll produce 18 for her classmates and a few left over.

The New York Times

Then you pat your hand and there are only a few left.

The New York Times - Sports

Even the music is "old-fashioned, with a few left turns," Robert Reale said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Patricia Mercado, a social democrat, may steal a few left-wing votes from Mr López Obrador.

The Economist

A 6-year-old Mark Teixeira picked up a whiffle bat and took a few left-handed swings.

The New York Times - Sports

There were also a few "left-field" ideas that nobody had thought of previously ideas about which he is guarded.

The Economist

Of pure SPD bedrock, "Münte" has reconciled the party's soul with Agenda 2010, while offering it a few left-wing gestures.

The Economist

On newsstands around the country, a few left-over copies of last month's issue are all that remains of Ebony South Africa.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a few left" when you want to convey that the quantity is small but still worth mentioning.

Common error

Avoid using "a few left" when referring to a singular item. It's meant for multiple items. The singular form would be "one left" or "only one remains".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few left" primarily functions as a qualifier describing the quantity of something remaining. It indicates that a small, but non-zero, number of items or entities have not been depleted or removed. Ludwig confirms its validity in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few left" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a small quantity of something that remains. As Ludwig AI suggests, it’s perfectly valid and useful in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, it informs the audience about a remaining amount, often implying scarcity or urgency. While versatile, it's more suited for neutral to informal contexts, and should be avoided in highly formal settings where more precise alternatives like "several remaining" might be preferred. When using it, be mindful of the context and ensure clarity regarding what exactly "a few" refers to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only a few are remaining

This alternative is very similar to the original query, with a slight emphasis on the ongoing state of remaining.

just a few are available

This alternative is very similar to the original query, with the emphasis on items being available.

several remaining

Focuses on the existence of multiple items that are still present, similar to "a few left", shifting the emphasis slightly to the remaining items.

some remain

A more concise way of saying "a few left", this alternative emphasizes the act of remaining.

a handful remain

Replaces "few" with "handful" for more descriptive language emphasizing small quantity.

only a small number remain

Emphasizes limited quantity using a more descriptive phrase.

just a couple left

Uses "couple" instead of "few" for an even smaller quantity.

a small amount is left

Shifts from counting items to focusing on the quantity of something remaining.

some are still available

Focuses on the availability of a limited quantity, particularly relevant for items or tickets.

some have not gone

Focuses on the concept of not leaving/going, emphasizing that some part is still in place.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few left" to indicate that there is a small quantity of something remaining. For example, "We have "a few left" of the limited-edition prints" or "There are "a few left", so get them while you can!".

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

Alternatives include "several remaining", "some remain", or "only a small number remain" depending on the desired nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "a few left" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in formal writing, consider alternatives like "several remaining" or "a limited number remain" for a more professional tone. The phrase "a few left" can be too informal.

What's the difference between "a few left" and "few left"?

The phrase "a few left" suggests there are some remaining, and those are enough to be of value, whereas "few left" implies there are very few remaining, and the quantity is barely satisfactory or almost none. The article "a" makes the meaning more positive.