a few localities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few localities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of specific places or regions. Example: "The study focused on a few localities known for their unique biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Most of our understanding derives from a few localities in eastern Africa.

Quaternary Science Reviews

However, only a few localities exceed the limits with respect to food chain contamination and the inhibition of plant growth.

Geoderma

Stishovite is reported only in a few localities that were subjected to very high pressures from meteorite impact events.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Despite successful reform efforts in a few localities and the heroic efforts of dedicated doctors to improvise their way around the shortages, the overall statistics are grim.

The New York Times

Only a few localities around the country have moved to regulate the devices, he said, adding that the enactment of national regulations is unlikely.

The New York Times

A few localities, including St .Louis and Kansas City, Mo., use the money to establish vigorous programs, as have counties in Oregon and Washington.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

For species known from a single or very few localities, we ran "rule-based" models (instead of Maxent) consisting of the geographic intersection of known ranges in elevation and other environmental variables such as temperature and precipitation.

BMC Ecology

In those few localities using a middle school organization, children attended the middle school from age 8 or 9 to age 13 or 14.

Britannica

Even though RHDV appears to survive across the summer at a large geographic scale, possibly at relatively few localities, this does not rule out the possibility that it could occasionally persevere over summer at Turretfield or at a site nearby.

Evolutionary Applications

We sample a few more localities with the same result and decide to head back.

The New York Times

With the exception of New York State and a few other localities, little has been done through governmental authority to slow the boom in hydraulic fracturing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few localities", ensure the context provides sufficient information for the reader to understand the approximate number and significance of these places. For greater precision, specify the number if known.

Common error

Avoid using "a few localities" when the number of places is actually significant. This can mislead the reader. If the number is substantial, use terms like "several" or "many" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few localities" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating a small and indefinite number of places. It specifies that the subject being discussed is not widespread but limited to certain areas. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

27%

News & Media

23%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few localities" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a limited number of places or regions. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English. It finds its primary usage in scientific, encyclopedia and news-related contexts. When using this phrase, consider the need for precision and ensure that the context provides sufficient information. Alternatives like "several locations" or "a handful of spots" can be used depending on the desired level of formality and specificity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several locations

Uses a different quantifier to indicate more than one location.

a limited number of places

More formal and emphasizes the restricted quantity.

a small selection of sites

Highlights the act of choosing from a larger set.

a handful of spots

Employs a more informal and visually descriptive term.

select locations

Emphasizes the chosen nature of the locations.

some areas

Offers a broader term that may encompass larger regions.

certain regions

Indicates specific areas without quantifying them.

a couple of places

Indicates a very small number, usually two.

sparse locations

Highlights the scattered nature of the places.

scattered sites

Similar to "sparse locations", emphasizing distribution.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few localities" to indicate that something is present or happens in a limited number of specific places. For example, "The species is only found in "a few localities" within the region".

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

More formal alternatives include "a limited number of places" or "select locations". These options emphasize the restricted quantity or the deliberate choice of locations.

Is it better to use "a few locations" or "a few localities"?

Both "a few locations" and "a few localities" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. However, "localities" might sound slightly more formal or scientific depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "a few localities"?

You can use alternatives like "several locations", "a handful of spots", or "some areas" depending on the context.