a few questions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few questions" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to multiple questions that you would like to ask someone or something. For example: "I have a few questions about the new product, could you please answer them for me?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He accepts a few questions.

The New York Times

She took a few questions.

The New York Times

This raises a few questions.

The New Yorker

Answer a few questions.

The Guardian - Travel

Asked a few questions.

The New Yorker

They wanted to ask a few questions.

The New York Times - Magazine

Corporations have a few questions for you.

The New York Times

The Samurai had a few questions.

The New York Times

"We just have a few questions".

The New Yorker

I've got a few questions answered".

The New York Times

But a few questions linger: 1.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider alternatives like "several queries" or "certain inquiries" if a more professional tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "few questions" when you actually mean "a few questions". "Few" implies a scarcity or near absence, whereas "a few" indicates a small but present quantity. For example, saying "I have few questions" suggests you have almost no questions, which may not be your intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few questions" functions as a determiner phrase acting as a pre-modifier to the noun "questions". It specifies the quantity of questions being referred to, indicating that there are more than one, but not a large number. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few questions" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate having a small number of inquiries. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and suitable for various contexts. While versatile, alternatives like "several queries" or "couple of questions" may be more fitting depending on the desired tone and formality. This phrase is most commonly found in news and media, academic settings, and wiki articles, demonstrating its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Couple of questions

A more casual and less formal alternative.

Handful of questions

Similar to "a few", but slightly more informal.

Several queries

Implies a slightly more formal or larger number of questions.

Some questions for you

More conversational and direct, indicating the questions are for the listener.

A small number of questions

A more verbose and formal way of saying "a few questions".

Some inquiries

A more formal and polite way to ask questions, often used in professional settings.

Brief questions

Indicates that the questions will be short and concise.

Certain questions

Emphasizes that the questions are specific and important.

Certain inquiries

A blend of formality and specificity, suggesting important questions.

Number of questions

Highlights the quantity of questions to be asked.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few questions" to indicate that you have more than one question but not a lot. For instance, "I have a few questions about your proposal" or "Let me ask a few questions about your experience".

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

You can use alternatives like "several queries", "couple of questions", or "some inquiries" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a few questions" or "few questions"?

"A few questions" is used to indicate a small but positive number of questions. "Few questions" implies a scarcity or near absence of questions. Make sure to use "a few questions" when you intend to express having some questions, but not many.

What's the difference between "a few questions" and "some questions"?

While both phrases indicate having more than one question, "a few questions" suggests a smaller number compared to "some questions". "Some questions" can imply a slightly larger or unspecified number of questions.