a few think

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few think" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that a small number of people hold a particular opinion or belief. Example: "While many support the new policy, a few think it may lead to unintended consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

A few think this is deeply misguided.

The Guardian - Opinion

Only a few think it's a good idea to store them up in a diary.

The New Yorker

Quite a few think Jewish religious and cultural life in Israel is stunted.

The Economist

A few think that women have a unique contribution to make in running modern firms.

The Economist

That sentiment makes some people nervous, and more than a few think Mr. Bertelli's approach is dangerous to fashion.

The New York Times - Style

Still more argue for the Levant, and a few think it should be left as it is.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

A few thought it had become unseemly to flaunt goods with designer labels.

The New York Times

A few thought they felt a tingle when touching alcohol or water, but most struggled to tell the difference in sensation between peppers and vibrators.

Independent

A few thought I was barmy and a few could understand it.

BBC

For the bulls, the rebound in technology stocks never quite showed up the way a few thought it might.

Forbes

A few thought they were still dating.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "think" with a more precise verb like "believe", "suggest", or "speculate" to better reflect the nuance of the opinion being expressed.

Common error

Avoid using "a few think" when the idea is actually widely held. Ensure that the opinion truly represents a minority viewpoint to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few think" primarily functions as an introductory phrase to indicate that a small number of individuals hold a particular opinion or belief. This is confirmed by Ludwig's analysis, demonstrating its role in presenting minority viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

6%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few think" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to introduce an opinion held by a minority. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, media and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context and ensure that it accurately reflects the distribution of opinions. Alternatives like "some believe" or "a handful consider" can provide nuanced variations depending on the intended emphasis. Make sure to not use it when the idea is actually widely held.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some believe

Replaces "think" with the more formal "believe", suggesting a stronger conviction.

a handful consider

Replaces "a few" with "a handful", providing a slightly more descriptive image of a small group.

a minority opinion holds

Emphasizes that the view is held by a smaller group, adding a sense of contrast.

only a few deem

Emphasizes the limited number of people holding the opinion, using a more formal verb.

a small number suggest

Uses "suggest" to soften the assertion, implying a tentative viewpoint.

some are of the opinion

A more verbose and formal way of expressing a similar idea.

a select few maintain

Highlights that the opinion is firmly held by a chosen number of people.

certain individuals feel

More formal and emphasizes the personal feelings of specific people.

some speculate

Indicates that the belief is based on conjecture rather than solid evidence.

a sprinkling of people suppose

Provides a visual metaphor for a small number of people, using "sprinkling" and a less assertive verb.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few think" to introduce a minority opinion or belief, often in contrast to a more widely held view. For example, "While most support the proposal, "a few think" it needs further revision."

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

You can use alternatives such as "some believe", "a minority opinion holds", or "a handful consider" depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it always appropriate to use "a few think"?

Using "a few think" is appropriate when you want to highlight a minority perspective. However, ensure that it accurately reflects the number of people holding that view and that the context warrants emphasizing this smaller group.

What's the difference between "a few think" and "many believe"?

"A few think" indicates a small number of people hold a particular opinion, while "many believe" suggests a widespread belief. The choice depends on the actual distribution of opinions and the point you wish to make.