a few suits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few suits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of formal outfits or business attire, often in a context related to meetings or professional settings. Example: "At the conference, I noticed a few suits mingling in the lobby, discussing potential collaborations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"I made a few suits for President Truman around 1946.

The New York Times - Magazine

Tells about Max Schmeling buying a few suits.

The New Yorker

Dress code: Plenty of trilbys, Fred Perrys and a few suits, despite the mud.

The Guardian - Music

Prices: appetizers, $6 to $10; entrees, $8 to $15; desserts, $5 to $7. Crowd: rich bohemian, and a few suits.

The New York Times - Food

Robert still had a few suits from those days, suits he never wore, yet which retained their spark of joy.

The New Yorker

This level of pricing attracts a likeable clientele; some (ahem) young couples, a few suits, haughty ladies-wot-lunch, and families with squealing tots: an ideal mix.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Also a few suit coats.

The New York Times

"I only have a few handmade suits," said Mr. Ross, who added that "a gentleman's suit should be about the same price as an ounce of gold".

The New York Times

Bathing suits are cut differently than your clothes, so it is smart to bring a few bathing suits within your size range and different styles into the fitting room.

WikiHow

Other people try to get a few new suits".

The New York Times

Mr. Cheney bought a few new suits in Virginia last weekend.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene, combine "a few suits" with details about the wearers' actions or interactions to add depth and interest to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a few suits" repeatedly in highly formal documents. Opt for more precise language if the exact number of suits is relevant, or rephrase using "several formal attires" to vary your expression.

Linguistic Context

Adjectival phrase. The phrase "a few suits" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating a limited number of formal outfits. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Formal & Business

14%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few suits" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression, according to Ludwig AI. It functions as an adjectival phrase, typically used to describe a small number of formal outfits or the people wearing them. Predominantly found in News & Media, its usage extends to Formal & Business contexts as well. While the phrase is generally acceptable, more precise language may be preferable in highly formal settings. Related phrases include "several suits", "a couple of suits" and "some suits". Best practice involves combining the phrase with descriptive details to enhance writing, while overuse in overly formal documents should be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several suits

Indicates a slightly larger, but still limited, quantity of suits.

a couple of suits

Emphasizes the small number, specifically two.

some suits

More general term for an unspecified small quantity of suits.

a handful of suits

Highlights the limited, easily manageable number of suits.

a small number of suits

Formal way of expressing a limited quantity.

a few formal outfits

Replaces "suits" with a more general term for formal wear.

a few business attires

Replaces "suits" with an alternative term for business clothing.

some professionals

Refers to people who are likely wearing suits.

a few well-dressed individuals

Focuses on the appearance of people in suits.

a spattering of suits

Suggests a sparse distribution of people wearing suits within a larger group.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few suits" to describe a small number of formal outfits or the people wearing them, such as, "I noticed "a few suits" near the conference entrance".

What are some alternatives to "a few suits"?

Alternatives include phrases like "several suits", "a couple of suits", or "some suits" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a few suits" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "a few suits" might be considered informal for highly formal writing. In such cases, consider using more precise or elevated language, such as "several formal attires" or "a small number of professionals in business attire".

What does "a few suits" typically imply?

"A few suits" generally implies a small, indefinite number, typically more than two but less than, say, five or six. It indicates a limited quantity of formal wear or individuals dressed in business attire.