a few thoughts

USAGE SUMMARY

'a few thoughts' is a perfectly acceptable and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that you have multiple ideas or opinions on a particular topic, but do not want to go into too much detail. For example, "I have a few thoughts on the upcoming election that I would like to share."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A few thoughts: 1.

The New York Times

Here are a few thoughts.

The New York Times

A few thoughts.

Harvard University

Just a few thoughts.

The New Yorker

A few thoughts to share………..?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

As I said, just a few thoughts.

The New York Times

A few thoughts to come.

The Guardian - Sport

I have included a few thoughts below.

The Washington Post

We just have a few thoughts.

The New Yorker

So I have a few thoughts.

The New York Times

There are a few thoughts you should keep in mind.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few thoughts", ensure the subsequent points are relevant and add value to the discussion, as it sets an expectation of meaningful input.

Common error

Avoid presenting a long, rambling discussion after introducing it as "a few thoughts". This can mislead the reader and diminish the impact of your message. Stick to a manageable number of points.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few thoughts" primarily functions as an introductory phrase. It sets the stage for a concise presentation of ideas or opinions. As Ludwig AI explains, this is a common phrase used to indicate that multiple ideas will be shared without extensive elaboration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few thoughts" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce a limited set of ideas or opinions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile phrase applicable across various contexts, primarily in news and media, academic writing, and formal business communications. When using "a few thoughts", it's important to ensure that the subsequent points are concise, relevant, and add value to the discussion. Be mindful of not overloading the phrase with excessive information. Alternative phrases like "a couple of ideas" or "some suggestions" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a couple of ideas

Indicates a slightly smaller number of ideas compared to "a few thoughts".

some ideas

A more general way to express having multiple ideas without specifying the exact number.

a few reflections

Implies a more thoughtful and considered set of ideas.

a few suggestions

Suggests offering advice or recommendations on a particular topic.

a few insights

Indicates offering deeper understanding or perspectives.

some opinions

Focuses on personal beliefs or judgments rather than general ideas.

brief considerations

Highlights the concise and preliminary nature of the ideas.

initial impressions

Emphasizes first thoughts or reactions to something.

preliminary notions

Suggests ideas that are in the early stages of development.

several points

Highlights a structured set of considerations regarding a topic.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few thoughts" to introduce a brief discussion of your ideas, for example, "I wanted to share "a few thoughts" on the new project proposal".

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

Alternatives include "some ideas", "a couple of points", or "brief considerations", depending on the context and the level of formality.

Is it better to say "a few thoughts" or "some thoughts"?

Both ""a few thoughts"" and "some thoughts" are acceptable. "A few" implies a smaller, more specific number of ideas, while "some" is more general.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a few thoughts"?

It's appropriate when you want to share several ideas briefly without going into extensive detail. It signals to your audience that you'll be concise and to the point.