a few slices

USAGE SUMMARY

"a few slices" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when referring to a small quantity of something, usually with an uncountable noun. For example: "I just need a few slices of bread to make a sandwich."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Add a few slices of mandarin, if using.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Place a few slices of steak on each plate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Serve with a few slices of prosciutto to make this a bit more substantial.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Just under 200g, madam, a few slices more of the Liberal?

The Guardian

It does not tantalize with a few slices but delivers a hillock of beets.

The New York Times

Place a few slices of garlic and a few rosemary needles in each cut.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Pickle slices are not out of place, nor are a few slices of semisoft cheese.

The New York Times - Food

I'll have a few slices at lunch and then a few more in the afternoon.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Top with a few slices of pork and drizzle with a generous teaspoon of herb oil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Offer your guests a few slices of breast with a thigh or drumstick.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ribbons of fried tortilla and a few slices of avocado streamed through it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few slices", ensure the context makes it clear what is being sliced. For instance, "a few slices of bread" is more precise than just "a few slices".

Common error

Avoid using "a few slice" as the correct form requires the plural "slices" after "a few".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few slices" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating a small quantity of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, as seen in examples like "Add a few slices of mandarin, if using" or "Serve with a few slices of prosciutto".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

27%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few slices" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate a small quantity of something that has been sliced. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. The phrase serves the purpose of quantifying items in a non-specific way, and alternative phrases such as ""a couple of slices"" or ""several slices"" can be used for subtle differences in quantity. Remember to always use the plural form "slices" and ensure the context clarifies what is being sliced for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a couple of slices

Indicates a slightly more specific quantity, implying approximately two slices instead of an indefinite 'few'.

several slices

Suggests a larger, but still unspecified, number of slices, more than 'a few'.

a small number of slices

More explicitly describes the quantity as being limited, adding emphasis.

a handful of slices

Implies the quantity is easily held in one hand, suggesting size and manageable amount.

a portion of slices

Highlights that the slices are part of a larger whole and that the quantity is not very big.

a selection of slices

Suggests that the slices are part of a wider variety of types, so the choice is based on taste.

a sampling of slices

This is used when the slices are offered as part of tasting

a bit of sliced material

More abstract, referring to a small amount of something that has been sliced.

a dash of slices

Emphasizes the small quantity, like adding a spice or a small ingredient.

limited number of slices

This option describes quantity of slice are restricted.

FAQs

How do I use "a few slices" in a sentence?

You can use "a few slices" to indicate a small quantity of something that has been sliced, like "I'll have "a few slices of pizza"" or "Add "a few slices of lemon" to your water for flavor".

What are some alternatives to saying "a few slices"?

Alternatives include "a couple of slices", "several slices", or "a small number of slices", depending on the specific quantity you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a few slice" instead of "a few slices"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect. The phrase "a few" requires a plural noun, so the correct form is always "a few slices".

When is it appropriate to use "a few slices" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "a few slices" in contexts where you need to indicate a small, indefinite number of slices. It's commonly used in recipes, descriptions of food portions, or general discussions about quantity.