a few subjects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few subjects" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of topics or areas of study. Example: "In our discussion, we will cover a few subjects related to environmental science."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I've noticed a few subjects like this over the years.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are a few subjects on which Wallerstein becomes righteously indignant.

The New York Times - Books

Have a few subjects in mind, like current events or new movies and books.

The New York Times

A few subjects who received the highest doses had brief episodes of nausea and lightheadedness.

The New York Times

If you don't think you did your best, you always have the option to re-take a few subjects.

The Guardian

There were also a few glimmerings of a change in the administration's tone on a few subjects.

The New York Times

Only a few subjects were excluded because of gingivitis.

Progress in Orthodontics

A few subjects did report less pain on the placebo side after 2 and 4 min.

Progress in Orthodontics

For a few subjects, data were only partially available or corrupted.

Brain Informatics

A few subjects had ergonomic issues with the particular footwarmers used, so usage was not universal.

Energy and Buildings

The conversation touched on quite a few subjects, including what kind of companies tend to do best in New York.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few subjects", ensure the context clarifies whether you're referring to a limited selection or simply introducing a small number of topics for discussion. This helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a few subjects" when you're actually covering a comprehensive range of topics. This can mislead your audience about the depth and breadth of the content.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few subjects" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a small quantity of topics or areas of study under consideration. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few subjects" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a limited number of topics or areas of study. As verified by Ludwig, it appears across various contexts, including scientific research, news reporting, and general discussions. The phrase is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings. While "a few subjects" is generally clear, writers should ensure the context avoids ambiguity and the scope isn't misrepresented.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several topics

This alternative replaces "a few" with "several", indicating a slightly larger but still indefinite number of topics.

some subjects

This uses "some" instead of "a few", offering a more general and less specific alternative.

a handful of subjects

This alternative emphasizes a small quantity, similar to "a few", but with a more informal tone.

a small number of topics

This phrase is more formal and explicit about the quantity being referred to.

limited subjects

This alternative implies that the number of subjects is restricted or not extensive.

specific subjects

This emphasizes that the subjects are clearly defined, focusing on their particularity.

certain subjects

This suggests that the subjects are pre-selected or known in advance.

selected subjects

This indicates a deliberate choice of subjects from a larger pool.

a couple of subjects

This implies exactly two subjects, making it more specific than "a few".

various subjects

This suggests a greater diversity and range of subjects compared to "a few".

FAQs

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

You can use "a few subjects" to introduce a limited set of topics, like: "We will be discussing "a few subjects" during the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "a few subjects"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "several topics", "some subjects", or "a handful of subjects".

Is it better to say "a few subjects" or "few subjects"?

"A few subjects" implies a small but positive number, whereas "few subjects" suggests a number that is so small as to be almost negligible. Use ""a few subjects"" when you want to indicate that there are some subjects, even if not many.

When should I avoid using "a few subjects"?

Avoid using ""a few subjects"" if you are actually discussing a wide range of topics, or if you need to convey a precise number. In those cases, use more specific language.