a few responses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few responses" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a small number of replies or answers to a question or request. Example: "After sending out the survey, I received a few responses from the participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I tossed in a few responses.

The New York Times

But a few responses were not quite what she anticipated.

The New York Times - Arts

I got a few responses from women in different countries, from Europe and the U.S.

The New Yorker

I got a few responses from people saying they couldn't find it, either.

The New York Times - Magazine

Here are a few responses:   Walking into a Peoria motel room in 1969 to get an illegal abortion.

The New York Times

So far, it has issued 66 subpoenas, and has received only a few responses, Mr. O'Neill said.

The New York Times

To say that it is nonexistent except for a few responses from the environmental community would be an understatement.

The Guardian - Opinion

A few responses pointed to the institution of caste and the historical discrimination against lower castes, particularly dalits, or untouchables.

The New York Times

Initially, there were just a few responses - the first was from Muswell Hill ward in Haringey - but interest gradually picked up.

The Guardian

The Tor experiment may not be conclusive, but I do have a few responses to the common lay reaction: "Of course that was the outcome of Tor's experiment!

The New York Times

Others explicitly plumb the consequences of love affairs with customers and colleagues, although, truth be told, any subject attracting more than a few responses can veer without warning into sexual putdowns and other vulgarity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary to avoid repetition. Instead of always using "a few responses", consider using alternatives like "several answers" or "a handful of replies" to add variety to your writing.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a few responses" automatically implies a negative outcome. While it indicates a small number, it doesn't inherently mean the response is inadequate. The adequacy depends on the specific context and expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few responses" functions as a quantifier followed by a noun. It indicates a limited number of reactions or answers to a question, request, or survey. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few responses" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a small number of answers or reactions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility across contexts. As demonstrated by the numerous examples provided, its usage spans from News & Media to Scientific domains, indicating its broad applicability. While alternatives such as "several answers" or "limited feedback" exist, "a few responses" provides a straightforward and easily understood way to convey a limited quantity. When using this phrase, consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a handful of replies

Highlights the small number of replies in a more descriptive way.

several answers

Emphasizes a slightly larger quantity than "a few responses".

a small number of answers

More formal, emphasizing the limited quantity of answers.

a couple of answers

Highlights that the answers provided are exactly two.

limited feedback

Focuses on the quality and scope of the reactions received.

some reactions

A more general term, implying an unspecified quantity of reactions.

limited replies

Focuses on the quality and scope of the replies received.

sparse feedback

Conveys that the responses were not only few but also infrequent.

minimal response

Emphasizes the inadequacy or scarcity of the reaction.

selected feedback

Conveys that the responses were specifically chosen.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "a few responses"?

You can use alternatives like "several answers", "limited feedback", or "some reactions" depending on the context.

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

You can use "a few responses" to describe a small number of replies or answers received. For example, "We sent out a survey and received a few responses within the first week".

Is it better to say "a few responses" or "some responses"?

Both "a few responses" and "some responses" are grammatically correct, but "a few" suggests a smaller quantity than "some". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of limitation you want to emphasize.

What does "a few responses" imply about the quality of the answers?

"A few responses" only indicates the quantity, not the quality. The responses could be high-quality, insightful answers, even if they are few in number.