a few students

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few students" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of students in a specific context, such as in discussions about attendance, participation, or opinions. Example: "A few students expressed their concerns about the new curriculum during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A few students laughed.

The New Yorker

Hesitantly, a few students called out.

The New York Times

A few students created elaborate productions.

The New York Times

A few students said yes.

University of California, Berkeley

Only a few students showed up.

The New York Times

After two hours a few students looked almost professional.

The New York Times - Arts

A few students in the front put papers away.

The New York Times - Magazine

Quite a few students go on to further study.

The Guardian - Money

But a few students sneaked in to catch a glimpse.

The New York Times - Sports

"We've picked up a few students," said Principal Maria Blackwell.

The New York Times

A few students are older (and better-dressed) than you.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a few students" when you want to indicate a small, indefinite number of students without being overly precise. It is appropriate for most general contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "few students" without the article "a" when you intend to convey a positive sense of 'some'. "Few students" (without "a") often implies a negative connotation, suggesting a smaller number than expected or desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few students" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "students". It specifies a small, indefinite quantity. As Ludwig shows, it commonly introduces a subject performing an action or possessing a characteristic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

27%

Science

36%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few students" is a versatile phrase used to denote a small, indefinite number of students. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, including news, academic, and scientific writing. Remember to use "a few" to convey a positive sense of 'some', differentiating it from the more negative implication of "few". For alternative expressions, consider "some students", "several students", or "a handful of students" to suit your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several students

Indicates a slightly larger, but still indefinite, number of students.

a small number of students

More explicitly quantifies the number of students.

some students

A more general term indicating an unspecified quantity of students.

a handful of students

Implies a very small, easily manageable number of students.

a couple of students

Suggests exactly two students or a very small, indefinite number close to two.

a minority of students

Highlights that the students represent a smaller proportion of the total group.

certain students

Emphasizes that the students are specific or have been pre-selected in some way.

a limited number of students

Highlights that the number of students is restricted or not very large.

individual students

Focuses on the students as separate entities rather than as a collective.

scattered students

Suggests students are dispersed and not a unified group.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few students" to indicate a small number of students performing an action or sharing a characteristic. For example, "A few students raised their hands" or "a few students were late".

What's the difference between "a few students" and "few students"?

"A few students" indicates a small but positive number, suggesting that there were some students present. "Few students", on the other hand, implies a small number that is considered insufficient or disappointing. For example, "Few students attended" suggests that the attendance was lower than expected.

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

You can use alternatives like "some students", "several students", or "a handful of students" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "a few students"?

The phrase "a few students" is generally correct and widely accepted. However, ensure it accurately reflects the quantity you are describing. If the number of students is significantly larger than what "a few" implies, consider using a more appropriate quantifier like "many students" or "most students".