a few servants

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few servants" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of servants in a context, such as discussing household staff or historical settings. Example: "In the grand estate, there were a few servants who attended to the daily needs of the family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Agnes had a few servants and a couple of guards with her but she would not surrender.

The Guardian

In her book, A Rage for Rock Gardening, Nicola Shulman describes how the retinue consisted of a few servants and a couple of ponies.

Independent

There were funds to take a Georgian house on the Buckinghamshire estate of Lord Desborough, with a few servants, including Liggins the "houseparlourman".

The Guardian - Books

This one has a much more powerful impact because it's about longing -- for the Algerian soldier Eberhardt loves, for spiritual revelation, for a simple, wandering life with just a horse and "a few servants barely more complicated than my mount".

The New York Times - Books

Without making the least song and dance about it, and without any political exhortations to anyone, she would go quietly along to the barracks with a few servants and feed up to twenty people a day.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

If it was a crumbling gentility -- a big house but few servants -- that was the best kind for an artist manqué, because its isolation from the world's tawdriness was never completely successful.

The New York Times

"It would be very low cost, just a few civil servants in each department looking into the issue and, ultimately, presenting their results to a committee".

The Guardian

Lord Warner said the government would be throwing away the hard work achieved over the past decade "because of some misguided idea that they can save a bit of money and get the board's work done by a few civil servants".

The Guardian

Those facing the courtyard were told last week that they would each be losing up to five windows in their bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, and in a few cases, servants' bedrooms.

The New York Times

When Conservatives proposed reducing the amount the government spends on running itself at the time of the last election, Tony Blair told this newspaper: "No one believes you can cut a few civil servants and get this money.

The Guardian - Business

We talked to a few civil servants.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a few servants", ensure the context is appropriate, as it often implies a historical or upper-class setting. Consider whether a more modern or neutral term like "staff" or "household help" would be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "a few servants" in contemporary settings where it sounds anachronistic or overly formal. In modern contexts, consider using terms like "household staff" or "domestic workers" for greater relevance and sensitivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few servants" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun, acting as a subject or object in a sentence. This construction indicates a limited quantity of domestic workers. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few servants" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a small number of domestic workers. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English, although its applicability can vary depending on the context. Predominantly found in News & Media, the term suggests a formal register, particularly in historical or upper-class settings. For contemporary usage, considering alternatives such as "household staff" or "domestic workers" might be more appropriate to avoid sounding anachronistic. Remember to use with sensitivity to social contexts and formality levels.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few domestics

Directly refers to household workers, though somewhat dated.

several attendants

Focuses on the role of attending to needs, implying a formal setting.

a handful of helpers

Emphasizes the small quantity and their supportive function.

a small number of staff

More general term, suitable for various contexts beyond domestic service.

a limited number of aides

Highlights their assistance, applicable in personal or professional scenarios.

minimal staff

Emphasizes the limited quantity of employees.

a couple of employees

Suggests a direct employer-employee relationship.

a sprinkling of retainers

Implies a historical or feudal context, where service is tied to loyalty.

a reduced workforce

Focuses on a decrease in the number of personnel.

a scattering of menials

Highlights the low status of the work, potentially with negative connotations.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few servants" to describe a household that employs a small number of domestic workers. For example, "The estate was well-maintained, thanks to "a few servants" who tended to the grounds and the house."

What are some alternatives to "a few servants"?

Alternatives include "household staff", "domestic workers", or "a small staff", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a few servants" in modern writing?

While grammatically correct, "a few servants" may sound outdated in contemporary contexts. Consider more neutral terms like "household staff" or "domestic help" for modern settings. See more alternatives /s/household+staff, /s/domestic+workers, /s/a+small+staff.

What's the difference between "a few servants" and "several attendants"?

"A few servants" typically refers to domestic workers in a household, while "several attendants" can refer to individuals providing service in various settings, not necessarily domestic. The term "attendants" implies a more formal setting.