a few remnants

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few remnants" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small number of remaining parts or traces of something that has been mostly removed or destroyed. Example: "After the storm, there were only a few remnants of the once vibrant garden left behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

The Frohlings still have a few remnants of the tree.

The New York Times

A few remnants of these roads survive today.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There were even a few remnants of us.

The New York Times

A few remnants from that age lie around me as I write.

The Guardian - Opinion

This didn't create any major inconveniences, although early on we did find a few remnants (like police tape).

The New York Times - Magazine

A few remnants of old Babylon survive, principally where archaeologists have excavated the foundation stones of some of Nebuchadnezzar's palace.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The latest Permian faunas were reduced to only a few remnant genera that were sensitive to stressful new environments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Two species of cobras (Naja melanoleuca and Naja nigricollis) are known to occur in south eastern Nigeria, where much of the pristine rainforest surface has been felled in the last thirty years, and where the actual landscape is generally constituted by a mosaic of farmlands, plantations, suburban areas, with a few remnant forest fragments.

Acta Oecologica

Andersen [2] posed the question of whether these groups are ancient and consist of a few remnant species, or if they are newly evolved groups that have not yet radiated.

Plosone

A few remnant PHEMA brushes are visible in Fig.  9 around the edges of the 750-nm patterned lines.

Colloid and Polymer Science

Our study indicates that a few remnant semi-natural habitat patches within a chronically and extensively fragmented landscape act as functional corridors that facilitate interpopulation gene flow and shape local levels of genetic diversity in the esparto grasshopper.

Evolutionary Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a few remnants" when you want to emphasize the small quantity and the fact that something is left over after a larger part has disappeared or been removed. It adds a sense of something having been diminished or reduced.

Common error

Avoid using "a few remnants" excessively in highly formal or scientific writing. While grammatically correct, more precise or technical terms may be more appropriate depending on the subject and audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few remnants" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and used to indicate that only a small number of something remains, implying a prior state of greater abundance or completeness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few remnants" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a small number of remaining parts or traces. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science sources, its neutral tone makes it suitable for various contexts, though careful consideration should be given to its appropriateness in overly formal settings. The phrase effectively communicates a sense of reduction or diminution, highlighting what remains after something has been largely removed or destroyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some remaining traces

Focuses on the idea of traces rather than physical remnants.

a small residue

Emphasizes the leftover nature of the remnants.

a handful of fragments

Highlights the broken or incomplete nature of the remnants.

scattered remains

Suggests a dispersed distribution of the remnants.

few vestiges remaining

Emphasizes the surviving nature of the few vestiges.

limited vestiges

Implies that the remnants are fading or disappearing.

sparse relics

Highlights the historical or aged quality of the remnants.

a trickle of leftovers

Suggests a very small quantity and emphasizes being left over.

a modicum of residue

Highlights a tiny amount that is being left over.

isolated scraps

Highlights the fragmented and separate nature of the remnants.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few remnants" to describe the small amount of something that remains after most of it has been used, destroyed, or removed. For instance, "After the fire, only "a few remnants" of the house were left standing."

What are some alternatives to "a few remnants"?

Alternatives include "some remaining traces", "a small residue", or "a handful of fragments". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "a few remnants" or "few remnants"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a few remnants" emphasizes the small quantity that remains, whereas "few remnants" simply indicates that there are not many left. The choice depends on the intended emphasis.

When is it inappropriate to use "a few remnants"?

While generally versatile, "a few remnants" might be less suitable in highly technical or scientific contexts where more precise terminology is required. Also, avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity and impact.