a few mates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few mates" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small number of friends or companions in informal contexts. Example: "I went out for drinks with a few mates after work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Vice

BBC

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

He didn't just get a few mates – he got eight.

The Guardian

And he had a few mates doing nothing particularly useful.

The Guardian - Sport

I had a few mates round the night before and it happened in the morning.

BBC

I think I'd rather he played a team sport with a few mates to bounce off.

Independent

I met a few mates for a drink in a bar before the game.

The Guardian - Sport

Me and a few mates would buy tickets and watch them from time to time, too".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Only a few mating types are an exception to this rule; ironically, the most prominent example is S. cerevisiae MAT, one of the most thoroughly characterized loci in terms of MAT regulation.

Plosone

The functions of only a few MATE proteins are known [ 50, 51] although some respond to phosphate- [ 52] or iron-deficiency [ 53], conditions which may accompany water stress.

BMC Plant Biology

The results show that even for few mates, adding a competitive advantage for a larger male copulatory organ (a > 0) drives above 50percentnt (figure 1, blue lines).

Biology Letters

But they can be major obstacles to scientists trying to breed rare species back into abundance with just a few potential mates.

The New York Times - Science

"A few of mates from school have worked across different venues including the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and The Olympia Theatre building.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few mates", consider your audience. It's appropriate for informal settings but might be too casual for formal writing. Use alternatives like "some friends" in professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a few mates" in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more professional terms like "colleagues" or "associates" to maintain a suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few mates" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It specifies a small quantity of "mates" (friends). Ludwig AI provides several examples demonstrating its common use in everyday conversation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Vice

30%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few mates" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a small number of friends. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is very common in News & Media and Vice, and has a informal register. When choosing to use "a few mates", keep in mind that it should not be used in formal writing, or when speaking in professional environments. Instead, consider "some friends", or other more suitable alternatives depending on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some friends

A more general and slightly more formal alternative, lacking the colloquial tone of "mates".

a couple of friends

Indicates a slightly smaller group than "a few mates".

a handful of buddies

More informal and conveys a sense of close friendship.

a number of pals

Similar in meaning, but "pals" is less common in some regions.

several companions

More formal and less personal, suggesting a group of people accompanying someone.

a group of close confidants

Highlights the intimacy and trust within the group.

a small circle of acquaintances

Implies a wider, less intimate social connection.

a scattering of comrades

Implies shared experiences or a common cause.

a select group of associates

More formal and business-oriented, suggesting professional relationships.

a few acquaintances

Suggests a less close and more casual relationship.

FAQs

What does "a few mates" mean?

The phrase "a few mates" means a small number of friends. It's a colloquial expression, common in British and Australian English.

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

You can use alternatives like "some friends", "a couple of friends", or "a handful of buddies" depending on the context.

Is "a few mates" formal or informal?

"A few mates" is considered an informal expression. Use it in casual conversations and informal writing, but avoid it in professional or academic contexts.

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

You can use "a few mates" in a sentence like: "I'm going to the pub with "a few mates" tonight", or "I met "a few mates" at the park today".