a few measures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few measures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of specific actions, steps, or units of measurement in various contexts, such as music, health, or planning. Example: "After taking a few measures to improve our workflow, we noticed a significant increase in productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After a few measures, Mr. Maazel stopped.

The New York Times

These are just a few measures.

The New York Times

Here are a few measures of this year's changes in the cultural, celestial and actual landscapes.

The New York Times

But this is a lot of words about a few measures.

The New York Times

A few measures to hit high income earners won't do it".

The New York Times

They ran again through a few measures before she cut them off.

The New Yorker

Each segment is also extended a few measures beyond its natural theatrical conclusion.

The New York Times

At last, he couldn't take it anymore, and demonstrated a few measures.

The New Yorker

It took only a few measures for Guus Hoekman to proclaim his uncommonly expressive vocal gifts.

The New York Times

To prevent swelling, there are a few measures that do-it-yourselfers can try.

The New York Times

But what, exactly?Mr Cameron announced a few measures in Parliament on September 1st.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few measures", ensure the context makes it clear what those measures are. If not, provide specific examples to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on vague quantifiers like "a few measures" without specifying what those measures entail. Being specific enhances clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few measures" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying a limited quantity of something. It often precedes a noun, acting as a quantifier to indicate that there are more than one, but not many, instances of the noun. Ludwig's examples show it used with both concrete nouns (like "measures of heart function") and abstract nouns (like "measures to improve security").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few measures" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and indicates its versatility across various contexts, from news reporting and scientific research to business communications. It's crucial to ensure clarity by either specifying what those measures are or relying on shared understanding within the given context. Alternatives such as "several steps" or "some actions" can be used depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several steps

Emphasizes the sequential nature of actions taken.

some actions

A more general term for things that can be done.

a couple of actions

Less formal way to specify a small number of actions.

a number of steps

Indicates a specific and limited sequence of actions.

certain actions

Highlights specific, though undefined, actions.

some procedures

Implies a formal or systematic approach.

limited actions

Emphasizes the constraints on actions taken.

specific remedies

Implies that each remedy addresses a specific problem.

several remedies

Indicates a number of solutions to a problem.

limited precautions

Emphasizes the constraints on actions taken for prevention.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few measures" when referring to a limited number of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular goal. For example, "We implemented a few measures to improve customer satisfaction".

What are some alternatives to "a few measures"?

You can use alternatives like "several steps", "some actions", or "a couple of actions" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a few measures" instead of "some measures"?

"A few measures" implies a smaller, more limited set of actions compared to "some measures". Use "a few measures" when you want to emphasize the limited scope.

Is it better to specify the measures instead of just saying "a few measures"?

In many cases, specifying the measures is better for clarity and transparency. However, if the measures are already understood or describing them in detail is unnecessary, "a few measures" can be sufficient.