a few marks

USAGE SUMMARY

'a few marks' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the expression when you would like to refer to a relatively small number of marks, usually in figurative or literal terms. For example, "The student's test paper was marked out of 100, but she only received a few marks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

A score of 2 was given when minimal metal transfer was observed, defined as isolated marks, a few marks in concentrated areas, or markings very light in color.

BioMed Research International

Give him a few marks for chutzpah, anyway.

The New Yorker

A few marks, some strange bent shapes; some are barely paintings at all.

The Guardian - Arts

"He is not one of these managers who will sell out for a few marks.

The New York Times

Deduct a few marks for the secret clearly being out - competition for bench space was annoyingly fierce.

The Guardian - Travel

At the opening, a spectator added a few marks of his own to those made by accident during installation.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

A few marked the beginning of specialization e.g., in science.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thereby we created a mosaic situation of WT stem cells with a few marked mutant stem cells.

EMBO Reports

He gave me high marks in the important categories and a few average marks that I think he threw in just to justify my unexciting pay raise.

Forbes

Indeed, it leaves a few question marks.

The Economist

Overseas, there are a few question marks.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical imperfections, use "a few marks" to convey a sense of minor flaws that do not significantly detract from the overall quality.

Common error

Avoid using "a few marks" in highly formal or technical contexts where more precise language is expected. Instead, opt for terms like "minimal defects" or "slight imperfections".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few marks" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun, typically acting as an adjective modifying another noun. It serves to describe the quantity of "marks", indicating a small, indefinite number. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few marks" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, primarily functioning to describe a small quantity of physical or figurative marks. It is considered correct and usable in written English according to Ludwig AI. Its register is generally neutral, fitting well within news articles, general descriptions, and even some scientific contexts. However, more formal language might be preferred in academic or highly technical writing. The phrase's prevalence in News & Media, Wiki, and Science, as confirmed by Ludwig examples, highlights its widespread applicability in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

minimal markings

Emphasizes the small quantity/quality of marks present.

limited signs

Highlights the limited quantity of evidence or indications.

several indications

Focuses on the idea of signals or indicators rather than physical marks.

slight traces

Emphasizes the faintness or subtlety of the marks.

a small number of blemishes

Replaces "marks" with a synonym that suggests imperfections.

minor impressions

Shifts the focus to the effect or impact left behind.

a handful of scores

Refers to a small quantity of numeric values/marks specifically.

scattered imprints

Focuses on the distribution and character of the marks.

some slight indentations

Specific type of "marks", it focuses on depressions on a surface.

restricted symbols

Highlights the controlled or specific nature of symbolic representations.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few marks" to describe minor imperfections or traces. For example, "The antique table had "a few marks" but was otherwise in excellent condition".

What are some alternatives to "a few marks"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "slight traces", "minor imperfections", or "limited signs".

Is it appropriate to use "a few marks" in academic writing?

While acceptable, consider using more formal terms like "minimal defects" or "slight indications" in academic writing to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "a few marks" and "several marks"?

"A few marks" indicates a smaller quantity than "several marks". "A few" suggests a minimal number, while "several" implies a slightly larger, though still indefinite, number.