a few positions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few positions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of job openings, roles, or locations in various contexts, such as employment or organizational structure. Example: "We currently have a few positions available in our marketing department that we are looking to fill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We've improved ourselves in a few positions, like starting pitcher.

The New York Times - Sports

He can cover a few positions as well.

Independent

It probably made Warren's mind up in a few positions.

Independent

He can hit to all fields and he plays very well defensively at a few positions".

The New York Times - Sports

Games are coming thick and fast and we will have to freshen up a few positions.

The Guardian - Sport

Develop well-tailored, high-quality applications for only a few positions that you are particularly excited about.

University of California, Berkeley

Coinout is lean and bootstrapped although looking to hire for a few positions in the near future.

Columbia University

"After a performance like that, there will probably be a few positions under scrutiny," Jets Coach Al Groh said.

The New York Times - Sports

At 35, with experience on several teams and in a few positions, Zeile was mature enough to make the transition.

The New York Times - Sports

"He can do very well for us and will play No 8 regularly, but he can play a few positions".

Independent

Whereas succession planning generally focuses on a few positions at the very top, leadership development usually begins in middle management.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few positions", ensure the context clearly indicates what the positions refer to, such as job openings, locations, or roles within an organization.

Common error

Avoid using "a few positions" when a more specific number is known or relevant. Providing the exact number enhances clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few positions" functions primarily as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a limited, but non-zero, quantity of something, as shown in Ludwig's examples where it refers to job openings, roles within a team, or locations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

22%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few positions" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote a limited quantity of items, roles, or locations. Ludwig AI indicates that it is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in specifying what the positions relate to. Alternatives like "several roles" or "a handful of jobs" may be suitable depending on the context and desired nuance. Avoid overgeneralization by providing specific numbers when available to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several roles

Replaces "few" with "several", implying a slightly larger number.

a couple of positions

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

limited number of positions

Adds emphasis on the limited availability of the positions.

a small number of openings

Replaces "positions" with "openings", implying vacancies.

a handful of jobs

Uses the idiom "handful" to suggest a small quantity of jobs.

some vacancies

Emphasizes the aspect of the positions being vacant.

a limited set of positions

Highlights the restriction or constraint on the positions.

a select few positions

Suggests that positions are exclusive or highly sought after.

a scattering of roles

Implies positions are distributed sparsely.

sparse positions

Highlights the scarcity of available positions.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few positions" to indicate a small number of job openings, roles, or locations. For example, "We are looking to fill "a few positions" in our marketing department".

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

Alternatives to "a few positions" include "several roles", "a couple of positions", or "a handful of jobs", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "a few positions are available" or "few positions are available"?

"A few positions are available" is generally preferred as it implies that there are some opportunities, whereas "few positions are available" can sound more negative, suggesting there are very limited opportunities.

What is the difference between "a few positions" and "some positions"?

"A few positions" suggests a smaller quantity than "some positions". While both indicate a non-negligible number, "a few" implies a more limited availability compared to "some positions".