a few parameters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few parameters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of specific factors or variables in a given context, such as in technical or analytical discussions. Example: "To optimize the system, we need to adjust a few parameters related to the performance settings."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Writers were given only a few parameters.

The New York Times

"I just went over to it, adjusted a few parameters.

The Guardian - Music

There are, however, a few parameters, as Mr. Fung told the artists early in their weeklong visit.

The New York Times - Arts

I had a few parameters, developed over years of air travel: it must be compact and light, yet it cannot be skimpy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Alternatively, you can plug in a few parameters – say, a three-star bed for under €60 within a half-hour walk – and it'll spit out whatever it's got.

The Guardian - Travel

Mr. Katz set a few parameters: the martinis would be stirred, not shaken; we would sample them as he made them so they would all be fresh; and they would include vermouth.

The New York Times - Food

There are only a few parameters in the proposed GBM.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

These rules require the input of only a few parameters.

Journal of Theoretical Biology

The model is designed with a few parameters experimentally accessible.

Applied Thermal Engineering

Apartment hunters simply need to enter a few parameters (price, neighborhood, etc).

TechCrunch

Furthermore, the more accurate Hardy-Mulholland-type inequality is built by introducing a few parameters.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few parameters", ensure the context makes it clear what those parameters are or why specifying them is unnecessary. Avoid vagueness if precision is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "a few parameters" when the number of parameters is actually substantial or critical. This can mislead readers about the complexity or scope of the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few parameters" functions as a quantifier followed by a noun. It modifies the noun "parameters", indicating a small, limited quantity. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few parameters" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate a small number of factors or variables, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most frequently used in scientific and news contexts. When using "a few parameters", ensure you provide sufficient context to understand which specific parameters you're referring to. While alternatives like "several parameters" or "a handful of parameters" exist, "a few parameters" maintains a balance between precision and generality, making it a versatile choice in various writing scenarios. Ludwig AI can assist further to refine the wording and help to clarify the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small number of parameters

Directly states the quantity as being small.

a handful of parameters

Emphasizes a small, manageable quantity.

several parameters

Indicates more than "a few" but still a limited number.

a limited set of parameters

Highlights the restricted nature of the parameters.

a restricted number of parameters

Similar to 'a limited set', stressing constraints.

some parameters

More general and less precise than "a few".

certain parameters

Emphasizes the particularity of the parameters.

a selection of parameters

Highlights that the parameters were chosen.

a finite number of parameters

More formal, emphasizing that the parameters are countable.

a discrete set of parameters

Highlights the distinct and separate nature of each parameter.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few parameters" to indicate that only a small number of factors or variables need to be considered. For example, "The model can be adjusted by tweaking "a few parameters"."

What are some alternatives to "a few parameters"?

Alternatives include "several parameters", "a handful of parameters", or "a limited set of parameters", depending on the specific context.

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

"A few parameters" is more specific than "some parameters". Use "a few" when you want to emphasize the small number, while "some" is more general.

What does "a few parameters" imply about the complexity of a system?

"A few parameters" suggests that the system can be understood or controlled by focusing on only a small number of variables, implying relative simplicity compared to systems with many interacting variables.