a few remains

USAGE SUMMARY

"a few remains" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means a small amount of something that is left over or still remaining. Example: After the fire, only a few remains of the old house were left standing.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Only a few remains from highland caves survive to show the pre-Columbian tradition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The gulf between grime and the rest of the music industry, though bridged by a few, remains.

The Guardian - Music

Besides a few remains of the imposing medieval city wall, the city has many important mosques and mausoleums dating from the 12th imam (head of Islam; 1035).

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was flattened in the Second World War and is now a collection of brutalist buildings, leavened by a few remains from the centuries of Ottoman occupation, such as the clock tower.

Independent

Since its discovery in 1991, it has been the subject of a popular novel, assorted documentaries and tie-in toys from "Jurassic Park". But for all its fame, the predator has been known primarily from only a few remains.

The New York Times - Science

Perhaps it's not the most prepossessing kind of place, with only a few remains of its rich history, but everyone agrees that Leicester is successfully redeveloping itself into a hip and happenin' city.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

After that the army rewrote the constitution, which with a few amendments remains in force.

The Economist

What more casual playgoers may make of a few entries remains to be seen.

The New York Times

Whether that apparent hedging, in court, might hurt him in the eyes of at least a few voters remains to be seen.

The New York Times - Sports

Only a few scattered remains – papers and bones – have since been found of Franklin's men on north Canada's frozen islands.

The Guardian

It is, as we all know, 79 years since Great Britain have won the Cup and the determination to disturb a few ghosts remains total.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a few remains" when you want to emphasize the scarcity or limited quantity of something that is left after a process, event, or period.

Common error

Avoid using "a few remains" excessively in formal writing where more precise or technical language might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "limited remnants" or "isolated fragments" for enhanced clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few remains" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a limited quantity of something that persists after some kind of reduction or destruction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and general suitability for use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few remains" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that denotes a small quantity of something left over. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, though precision may be required in more formal settings. Analysis indicates its prevalent use in News & Media and Science contexts. While alternatives like "some remnants" or "limited remnants" exist, "a few remains" effectively conveys a sense of scarcity or survival. To maximize impact, avoid overuse in highly formal writing and consider the implications of loss or reduction when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited remnants

Directly indicates the restricted quantity of the remaining items.

some remnants

Focuses on the surviving pieces, using a slightly more formal term.

the few surviving pieces

Emphasizes the act of survival and the limited number of items that made it through.

a small amount left

Emphasizes the quantity and the fact that it's what's left behind.

isolated fragments

Highlights the scattered and incomplete nature of the remaining parts.

a handful of vestiges

Highlights the trace-like quality of what's left, using a more evocative term.

scant traces

Underscores the minimal nature of the surviving evidence or signs.

sparse leavings

Conveys a sense of scarcity and what has been discarded or unintentionally left behind.

a trickle of leftovers

Focuses on the idea of something being left over, but in a minimal quantity.

a modicum of residue

Uses more formal terms to suggest a small quantity of what remains after a process.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few remains" to describe a small amount of something that is left over. For example, "After the demolition, only "a few remains" of the building were visible."

What are some alternatives to "a few remains"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "some remnants", "a small amount left", or "limited remnants".

Is "a few remains" formal or informal?

"A few remains" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise language may be preferred in highly formal situations.

What does "a few remains" imply about the original amount?

"A few remains" implies that the original amount was significantly larger, and only a small portion is left. It suggests a process or event has reduced the quantity substantially.