a few men

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few men" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of male individuals, typically in a context where the exact number is not specified but is understood to be more than one and less than many. Example: "A few men gathered at the park to discuss their plans for the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A few men swore.

The New York Times

A few men stood around him.

The New Yorker

A few men joined in the chanting.

The New Yorker

A few men got haircuts.

The New York Times

But nor do quite a few men.

The Guardian - Opinion

A few men become extraordinarily rich.

The New Yorker

A few men beep their car horns.

The New York Times

A few men shifted in their seats.

The New York Times

A few men sat under a tree.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A few men turned up for prayers.

The New Yorker

A few men may also develop breast enlargement or impotence.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few men", ensure the context clearly indicates the group being referenced. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a few men" when the exact number is known or crucial to the context. Provide specific numbers when precision is necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few men" functions as a determiner phrase specifying a small quantity of male individuals. It modifies a noun, providing information about its quantity. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few men" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to denote a small number of male individuals. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts, predominantly in news and media, as well as academic writing. While alternatives like "several men" or "some men" exist, they carry slightly different nuances. It’s advisable to use "a few men" when the number is small and the exact quantity is not critical to the context. The high frequency and authoritative sources using this phrase underscore its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Several men

Emphasizes a slightly larger, but still indefinite, number of men.

A couple of men

Indicates exactly two men.

Some men

More general and less specific about the quantity.

A handful of men

Suggests a small, manageable number of men, emphasizing the limited quantity.

A small number of men

More formal and explicit about the quantity being small.

A minority of men

Highlights that the men are fewer compared to a larger group.

Certain men

Focuses on specific, but unspecified, men.

A select few men

Indicates that the men were chosen or special in some way.

A sprinkling of men

Suggests that men are sparsely distributed within a larger group.

A limited number of men

Emphasizes the restriction on the quantity of men.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few men" to describe a small number of male individuals within a larger group or situation. For example, "A few men were seen near the building".

What phrases are similar to "a few men"?

Alternatives include "several men", "some men", or "a couple of men", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "a few men" in formal writing?

Yes, "a few men" is acceptable in formal writing as it is a standard and grammatically correct phrase to indicate a small number of male individuals.

What is the difference between "a few men" and "few men"?

"A few men" indicates a small but positive number, whereas "few men" suggests a smaller number that is closer to none or is insufficient for a particular purpose. The article "a" changes the connotation from negative to positive.