a few shots

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few shots" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to a small number of photographs, attempts, or doses of something, such as alcohol or medicine. Example: "After taking a few shots at the party, I felt much more relaxed and sociable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take a few shots".

The New Yorker

We heard a few shots.

The New York Times

Clive had taken a few shots.

The New Yorker

"I've taken a few shots".

The New York Times - Sports

Nonetheless, he took a few shots.

The New York Times

I'm sure he'll get a few shots".

The Guardian - Sport

Everything was dark, save for a few shots of fuchsia.

The New York Times

A few shots hadn't even hit the paper.

The New York Times - Magazine

I went home Sunday and hit a few shots.

Independent

He took a few shots in the dusk.

The New Yorker

The tail played a few shots without planning permanence.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few shots" to describe taking photos, ensure the context clarifies whether you're referring to individual photographs or a series of shots for a broader purpose, like a photo shoot. The term can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a few shots" when you actually mean 'several' or 'many'. While "a few" indicates more than two, it doesn't imply a large number. If the quantity is significant, opt for a more appropriate quantifier.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few shots" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically a quantifier, modifying a noun. It indicates an indefinite but small quantity of something, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples. The phrase suggests a number greater than two, but not a large amount.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sports

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few shots" is a common and versatile expression used to indicate a small quantity or number of attempts. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, from describing photographic efforts to sporting attempts and even social drinks. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While versatile, it's important to use "a few shots" accurately, avoiding misrepresentation of quantity, and being mindful of context to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some tries

A simpler and more general way to refer to a small number of attempts, less specific than "a few".

several attempts

Focuses on the aspect of trying or attempting something multiple times, suggesting more than two.

a couple of tries

Emphasizes the limited number of attempts, specifying exactly two.

several goes

An informal equivalent, particularly common in British English, to denote multiple attempts.

a handful of attempts

Implies a small but indefinite number of attempts, suggesting a degree of difficulty or repeated effort.

a couple of goes

Specifies two attempts, mirroring "a couple of tries" in its specificity.

a limited number of tries

Highlights the restriction on how many attempts can be made.

a number of attempts

A more formal way to state that there were multiple attempts made, without specifying a precise number.

a small series of attempts

Suggests a planned or structured set of attempts, rather than isolated instances.

a limited quantity of attempts

Focuses on the fact that the number of attempts is restricted, highlighting scarcity.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few shots" to describe taking photographs ("I snapped "a few shots" of the sunset"), attempts in sports ("He missed "a few shots" during the game"), or small amounts of alcohol ("Let's have "a few shots" of whiskey").

What can I say instead of "a few shots"?

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

Is "a few shots" formal or informal?

"A few shots" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal situations might benefit from a slightly more precise quantifier or a more descriptive phrase.

What does "a few shots" mean?

"A few shots" indicates a small quantity, generally more than two but less than many. The exact number is undefined but implies a limited amount.