a few schools

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few schools" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of schools, typically in a context discussing education or specific institutions. Example: "In our town, a few schools have implemented new technology programs to enhance learning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A few schools charge more.

The Washington Post

My son is applying early decision for a few schools.

The New York Times

A few schools have begun requiring 2 science letters.

Columbia University

Please give me the names of a few schools.

The New York Times - Travel

I have seen this in quite a few schools.

The Guardian

A few schools were opened in Hasaka, but most are occupied by the refugees.

The Guardian

Last week, union officials took me to a few schools to see some of the good.

The New York Times

"While a few schools were successful in absorbing such students, most were not," the report said.

The New York Times

A few schools have bent under this pressure and dropped their academic entrance tests.

The Economist

A few schools, like the Vermont Law School, have started layoffs and buyouts of staff.

The New York Times

A few schools keep book costs down by offering textbook rental services.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few schools", ensure the context clearly indicates why the specific number is relevant. For instance, "A few schools are piloting the new curriculum" implies that these schools are part of a trial program.

Common error

Avoid using "a few schools" when referring to a majority or a significant portion of schools. Using "many schools" or "most schools" is more appropriate in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few schools" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a determiner (a few) followed by a plural noun (schools). This structure modifies and quantifies the noun, indicating a limited number of educational institutions. According to Ludwig, this is a perfectly valid usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

23%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few schools" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate a small number of educational institutions. According to Ludwig AI, its validity is confirmed, and it is used across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. When writing, ensure the scope is accurately represented and consider alternatives like "several schools" or "some schools" for different nuances. The phrase's neutrality makes it appropriate for various writing styles, providing clarity without being overly formal or informal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several schools

Replaces "a few" with "several", indicating a slightly larger, but still indefinite, number of schools.

some schools

Uses "some" instead of "a few", providing a more general and less specific quantity.

a couple of schools

Specifies the number as "a couple", meaning two schools.

a handful of schools

Emphasizes the small number of schools by using the idiom "a handful of".

a small number of schools

More explicitly states the quantity as "a small number", providing clarity.

certain schools

Shifts the focus to specific, unnamed schools, rather than just a quantity.

particular schools

Similar to "certain schools", emphasizing specific but unspecified institutions.

select schools

Indicates that the schools are chosen or distinguished in some way.

a limited number of schools

Highlights the restriction on the quantity of schools being considered.

not many schools

Expresses the idea using a negative construction, emphasizing the scarcity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few schools" to indicate a small number of educational institutions, such as, "A few schools in the district are experimenting with year-round schedules."

What are some alternatives to "a few schools"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "several schools", "some schools", or "a couple of schools".

Is it appropriate to use "a few schools" in formal writing?

Yes, "a few schools" is generally appropriate for formal writing. However, for greater precision, consider using "a small number of schools" for increased clarity.

What's the difference between "a few schools" and "many schools"?

"A few schools" indicates a small number, while "many schools" implies a larger, less specific quantity. Using "many schools" suggests a significant portion or a majority.