a few paragraphs

USAGE SUMMARY

"a few paragraphs" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a short passage of written text, usually consisting of more than one sentence. For example: "The essay was only two pages long, but it had a few paragraphs that discussed the key points."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A few paragraphs on prostitutes.

The Guardian - Books

For a few paragraphs at least.

The Guardian

Articles could be a few paragraphs shorter.

The New York Times

He was expected to write a few paragraphs.

The New York Times

It can't be condensed into a few paragraphs.

The Guardian

There are even a few paragraphs of style tips.

The Guardian - Books

So forget the albatross, at least for a few paragraphs.

The Guardian

Close observation yields a few paragraphs of material.

The New York Times - Books

He can read only a few paragraphs at a time.

The New York Times

Some entries are pages long, others just a few paragraphs.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, the book doesn't provide a forceful answer aside from a few paragraphs in the introduction.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a few paragraphs" to indicate a concise portion of text, suitable for summarizing key points or providing brief explanations. It's more informal than 'several paragraphs' but more precise than 'some paragraphs'.

Common error

While acceptable in most contexts, overuse in formal academic papers can make your analysis seem insufficiently detailed. In such cases, opt for more specific quantities or descriptive terms like 'a detailed section' or 'several key paragraphs'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few paragraphs" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying a limited quantity of paragraphs. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. This phrase typically serves to indicate a concise portion of text within a larger document.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few paragraphs" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for referring to a short section of text. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific texts, and encyclopedias. While its register is generally neutral, being mindful of overuse and varying your phrasing is essential, especially in more formal writing. Alternatives include "several paragraphs", "a couple of paragraphs", and "a handful of paragraphs", which can subtly adjust the emphasis and tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several paragraphs

Replaces "few" with "several", indicating a slightly larger but still limited quantity.

some paragraphs

A more general term indicating an unspecified but not large quantity of paragraphs.

a couple of paragraphs

Substitutes "few" with "couple", suggesting a smaller number, specifically two.

a few short paragraphs

Adds emphasis to the brevity of each paragraph.

a handful of paragraphs

Emphasizes a small, easily manageable amount of text.

a brief passage

Shifts focus to the length and nature of the text, highlighting its conciseness.

a short section

Emphasizes the structural aspect, referring to a defined portion of a larger text.

a limited number of paragraphs

Highlights the restricted quantity of paragraphs.

a selection of paragraphs

Suggests a curated choice from a larger body of text.

a cluster of paragraphs

Suggests the paragraphs are grouped together and related.

FAQs

How do I use "a few paragraphs" in a sentence?

Use "a few paragraphs" to refer to a small number of paragraphs, typically to summarize or highlight information, such as, "The author dedicates "a few paragraphs" to explaining the historical context."

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

Alternatives include "several paragraphs", "a couple of paragraphs", or "a handful of paragraphs". The best choice depends on the specific number you want to convey and the context.

Is it better to say "a few paragraphs" or "some paragraphs"?

"A few paragraphs" implies a smaller, more specific quantity than "some paragraphs", which is more general. Choose ""a few paragraphs"" when you want to emphasize the brevity or limited scope of the text.

Can I use "a few paragraphs" in academic writing?

Yes, "a few paragraphs" is generally acceptable, but consider using more precise language (e.g., "the following paragraphs", or specify a section title) for greater clarity and formality. Also, be mindful of overuse; varied phrasing enhances readability.