a few texts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few texts" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a small number of written messages or documents, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "I received a few texts from my friends asking about the party details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I beamed a few texts out: "Michael Jackson apparently dead".

The Guardian - Opinion

Between all this, I'll get a few texts and Snapchats and I'll check up on Instagram.

The New York Times

A few texts on stone and other objects have also been found in Caria itself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A few texts became talismanic — Anatole Broyard's "Kafka Was The Rage," for instance.

The New Yorker

A few texts became talismanic Anatole Broyard's "Kafka Was The Rage," for instance.

The New Yorker

Among the papyri, there are also a few texts on parchment and paper.

Columbia University

A few texts are marked with an asterisk; these were scanned for the Archive by Google.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I make my moves on my "Words with Friends" games, exchange a few texts with my associate editor.

The New York Times

"I've had a few texts off people telling me, but I just get on with my football," Taylor told BBC Sport.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

With a few text-heavy exceptions, the pages pair a simple sentence or two with images.

The New York Times - Books

Since then, there has been nothing, save for a few text messages sent from anonymous numbers, apparently from his mother.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to mobile communication, "a few texts" is suitable. For academic papers, consider "several messages" or "a small number of texts" for a more formal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "a few texts" when referring to a substantial number of messages or documents. "Several", "numerous", or "many" would be more appropriate depending on the amount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few texts" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "texts". It indicates a small, indefinite quantity of text messages or written documents. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is both correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few texts" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate a small number of text messages or written documents. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable expression in English writing. While appropriate across various contexts, more formal alternatives like "several messages" or "a small number of texts" may be preferred in academic or professional settings. Ludwig's examples reveal its prevalent use in news, media, and academic contexts. The phrase is suitable for expressing quantity without being overly precise, as long as the number is actually a few. The prevalence and simplicity of the expression make it very versatile.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several messages

Emphasizes a slightly larger quantity than "a few texts".

a small number of texts

A more formal and precise way of expressing "a few texts".

a handful of texts

Highlights the small, manageable quantity.

some messages

A more general term indicating an unspecified quantity.

a couple of texts

Specifically implies two texts.

short communications

Replaces "texts" with a more formal synonym.

limited texts

Focuses on the restricted number of texts available.

brief messages

Highlights the conciseness of the texts.

minimal texts

Emphasizes the very small amount of texts.

occasional messages

Indicates that the texts are not frequent.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few texts" to describe a small number of text messages, such as, "I exchanged "a few texts" with my friend about the movie."

What's the difference between "a few texts" and "some texts"?

"A few texts" implies a smaller, more specific quantity than "some texts", which is more general. For instance, "a few texts" suggests perhaps 3-5 messages, while "some texts" could indicate any non-negligible amount.

What are some alternatives to "a few texts"?

You can use alternatives like "several messages", "a handful of texts", or "a couple of texts" depending on the specific number you want to imply.

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

While "a few texts" is perfectly acceptable in informal contexts, more formal alternatives like "a small number of texts" or "several messages" might be more suitable for academic or professional writing.