a few particulars

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few particulars" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to specific details or items that are not numerous. Example: "Before we proceed, let me share a few particulars about the project timeline and budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

This conformity makes them not false in a few particulars, but false in all particulars".

The New York Times - Magazine

A few particulars, though not too many, because the past isn't always an ideal prologue.

The New York Times

These are a few particulars I discovered for the first time in John Carey's biography of Golding.

The Guardian - Books

Madoff imitated Ponzi in a few particulars, such as victimizing his own community (in his case, Jewish) and inventing fictitious returns, but his improvements on the traditional Ponzi scheme are breathtaking.

The New Yorker

Ms. Rosenthal, for example, had to give only a few particulars of her child's eye view of her mother -- as a glamorous looking woman who served food in a Brooklyn school cafeteria -- for three ensemble members to assemble an immediate vision of boys lining up to have their plates filled by a ladle-wielding femme fatale.

The New York Times

It is worth noting a few particulars, if only as examples of the range of this topic.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

For a few particular cases we give the explicit solutions.

Journal of Functional Analysis

They have a few particular nightmares in mind.

The Washington Post

After 1994, most of those interviews required the answers to a few particular questions.

The Guardian

Harvesting significantly affects the density of the polychaete Laeonereis acuta in a few particular locations and sampling dates.

Fisheries Research

What sets this complaint apart is that it is not limited to just a few particular transactions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few particulars", ensure that the context provides enough information for the audience to understand the significance of the details you are sharing. Supplement with general information to help frame the specifics.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "a few particulars" can sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a few details" or "some specifics" in informal settings to maintain a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few particulars" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun, acting as a quantifier to specify a limited number of details. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few particulars" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for indicating a limited number of specific details. Ludwig AI indicates that it appears most frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts, suggesting a neutral to somewhat formal tone. When writing, be mindful of the context and consider whether simpler alternatives like "a few details" or "some specifics" might be more appropriate for informal situations. Though uncommon, it is acceptable and precise. The expert rating assigned, 4.5, reflects its solid grammatical standing, source authority, and appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

certain details

Highlights that only some details and not all details will be given.

specifics

A shorter, more direct way of referring to particular details.

several details

Emphasizes a slightly larger quantity of details compared to "a few".

some specifics

Highlights the precise and definite nature of the details being referred to.

a handful of items

Emphasizes the small quantity and the individual nature of the items.

limited information

Focuses on the restricted amount of information available.

certain aspects

Draws attention to specific facets or elements of a broader topic.

select data

Implies a curated or carefully chosen set of data points.

isolated facts

Suggests that the facts are separate and not necessarily connected.

discrete elements

Highlights the distinct and separate nature of the elements.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few particulars" to introduce specific details or aspects you want to highlight. For example, "Let me share "a few particulars" about the project timeline."

What's a simpler way to say "a few particulars"?

Alternatives include "a few details", "some specifics", or "certain details" depending on the context.

Is "a few particulars" formal or informal?

"A few particulars" is generally considered more formal. In informal settings, you might prefer alternatives like "a few details" or "some specifics".

When is it appropriate to use "a few particulars" over "some details"?

Use "a few particulars" when you want to emphasize the select and specific nature of the details you're providing. "Some details" is a more general term. "A few particulars" implies a deliberate choice of "certain aspects".