a few reader

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few reader" is not correct in English.
Did you mean "a few readers"? You can use "a few readers" when referring to a small number of individuals who read something, such as a book, article, or blog post. Example: "A few readers have commented on the article, sharing their thoughts and opinions."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

A few reader submissions: Senior manager: Hi, honey, how was your day?

The New York Times - Tech

But so many readers wrote to name a favorite player with New York roots that we're printing some of them, along with a few reader comments.

The New York Times

We're on our way to fill a few reader requests, starting with @molinafacts: "the crack house where Jesse rescued the kid and the ATM falls on the guy".

The Guardian - Travel

I observed that the comments system, which is moderated by Times staffers, yields a rich body of commentary but struggles to handle the volume and has spawned quite a few reader complaints.

The New York Times

In a brief interview, Mr. Cosulich reacted to a few reader questions, including one who suggested that venture capital isn't an option for a prerevenue company like Irrational Design.

The New York Times

We asked them to answer a few reader questions and invite you to send in your questions to tips @ crunchgear dot com with the subject line "FITNESS".

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

This was perhaps the case just over a week ago, after a few readers complained about a Comment piece by the Conservative MP Nick Herbert.

The Guardian - Opinion

A few readers went rogue.

The New York Times

A few readers suggested we might be farming polluted ground.

The New York Times

A few readers commented on some French assumptions.

The New York Times

Why review programmes that only a few readers have watched?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the plural form "readers" after "a few" to ensure grammatical correctness. For example, use "a few readers" instead of "a few reader".

Common error

Avoid using the singular noun "reader" after the quantifier "a few". This is grammatically incorrect. Always use the plural form: "a few readers".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few reader" functions as a determiner and noun, intended to quantify a small number of individuals engaged in reading. However, it's grammatically incorrect as noted by Ludwig AI, because "few" requires a plural noun.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a few reader" appears with some frequency, particularly in news and media contexts, it is grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI indicates, the correct form is "a few readers", using the plural noun to match the quantifier "few". Despite its occurrence, writers should strive for grammatical accuracy and use the correct plural form to avoid errors and ensure clarity. Alternatives like "several readers" or "some readers" offer grammatically sound substitutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several readers

Uses a different quantifier to indicate more than two readers.

some readers

Employs a less specific quantifier to refer to an unspecified number of readers.

just a few readers

Adds emphasis to the small quantity of readers.

only a few readers

Highlights the exclusivity of the small group.

a small number of readers

Replaces the quantifier with a more descriptive phrase indicating a limited quantity.

a couple of readers

Specifies exactly two readers.

a handful of readers

Uses a more figurative quantifier suggesting a small, manageable group.

a select few readers

Adds a sense of exclusivity to the small number of readers.

a limited number of readers

Emphasizes that the quantity of readers is restricted.

not many readers

Expresses the limited quantity in a negative form.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "a few"?

The phrase "a few" should always be followed by a plural noun. For example, it is correct to say "a few readers", "a few books", or "a few ideas".

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

You can use alternatives like "several readers", "some readers", or "a handful of readers", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a few reader" or "a few readers"?

"A few readers" is the correct grammatical form. "A few reader" is incorrect because "a few" requires a plural noun.

How does the meaning change if I use "few readers" instead of "a few readers"?

Using "few readers" implies a smaller number than "a few readers" and often carries a more negative connotation, suggesting that the number is disappointingly small. "A few readers" simply indicates a small quantity without necessarily implying negativity.