a few lots

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few lots" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of items, parcels, or pieces of land, often in contexts like real estate or auctions. Example: "The auction featured a few lots that caught my interest, particularly the vintage furniture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

A few lots can be traced to original owners.

The New York Times - Arts

There were many record prices and only a few lots failed to sell.

The Economist

But trendiness is still two centuries away; Woodhull declares bankruptcy after selling only a few lots.

The New York Times

A 1956 projection for a 21-story building a few lots north at 185 Broadway came to naught.

The New York Times

A few lots east, the 1950 Godmothers League building pokes its streamlined, swooping nose into the block.

The New York Times

And except for a few lots that can be broken off from larger properties, there is no space left for new construction, she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

A few auction lots were not intended for young audiences.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Weidel bought a few other lots at the auction and many more tempted her.

The New York Times - Arts

He added that there are only a few buildable lots remaining in the neighborhood.

The New York Times

Fewer than 10% reported quite a few or lots of academic problems; about 6% reported weekly or daily victimisation; and just over 3% experienced loneliness weekly or daily.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

(Naomi) There's quite a few, a lot of girls enjoy it.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing real estate or auction items, use "a few lots" to indicate a small but notable quantity. Ensure the context clarifies what the "lots" refer to, such as land parcels or items for sale.

Common error

Avoid using "a few lots" when referring to a substantial quantity. "A few" suggests a limited number, so using it for anything beyond a small selection can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few lots" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It quantifies the noun "lots", indicating a limited quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts, suggesting it's a common way to denote a small number of items or land parcels.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few lots" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a small number of items or parcels, particularly in the context of real estate or auctions. Ludwig AI analysis of numerous sources shows that it is used across news media and general writing. While it has a neutral register, you should ensure your audience clearly understands its meaning within the context. Using alternatives like "several plots" or "some parcels" can provide variety, but it’s always important to consider if the alternative phrase fits well into context. Avoid using "a few lots" when describing a large quantity to prevent misunderstanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several plots

Replaces "few" with "several", indicating more than a couple but still a small number of plots.

some parcels

Uses "some" instead of "a few" and "parcels" instead of "lots", both implying a limited quantity of land.

a small number of properties

More descriptive, specifying that the lots are properties and using "a small number" for clarity.

a handful of plots

Emphasizes the small quantity using "handful" and specifies "plots" as the type of lots.

limited number of sites

Replaces "a few" with "limited number" emphasizing scarcity, and using "sites" as an alternative to "lots".

a couple of parcels

Uses "couple" to suggest a smaller quantity than "a few" while keeping "parcels".

a restricted quantity of land

Focuses on the land aspect, emphasizing that the amount is limited or restricted.

a sprinkling of properties

Implies that the properties are sparsely located or distributed, making it an ideal option.

a minority of land sections

Expresses that land sections are only a small portion in comparison to the overall landscape.

isolated land segments

Highlights a few land segments that may not be closely situated in an area.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few lots" when describing a small number of land parcels or items being auctioned. For example, "The auction featured "a few lots" of antique furniture."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "several plots", "some parcels", or "a small number of properties".

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

Yes, "a few lots" is appropriate in formal writing when accurately describing a small quantity of land or items. However, ensure your language is precise and context-appropriate.

How does the meaning of "a few lots" differ from "many lots"?

"A few lots" indicates a small quantity, whereas "many lots" suggests a large number. Using the correct phrase is crucial for accurate communication.