a few thousand

USAGE SUMMARY

"a few thousand" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific, but approximate, number. For example, "We had a few thousand people in attendance at the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A few thousand attended.

The New Yorker

Cost: a few thousand dollars.

The New Yorker

We got a few thousand.

The New York Times

Now it's a few thousand.

The New Yorker

Maybe even a few thousand.

The New York Times - Arts

A few thousand votes.

The Washington Post

He said a few thousand had sold.

The New York Times - Tech

COST A "few thousand," Mr. Weitz said.

The New York Times

"Only a few thousand people".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Usually, a few thousand people attend.

The Washington Post

Now, only a few thousand remain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few thousand", ensure the context provides sufficient clarity, especially if precision is needed. For formal contexts, consider providing a more specific number or range.

Common error

Avoid using "a few thousand" when the actual number is significantly lower, as this can mislead your audience. Verify the approximate quantity to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few thousand" functions as a quantifier, specifying an approximate but relatively small number in the thousands. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's commonly used to represent a specific but not exact amount.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

16%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a few thousand" is a versatile and frequently used quantifying phrase that indicates an approximate quantity in the thousands. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts but also appears in scientific and academic writing. While generally appropriate, it's advisable to use more precise numbers in formal contexts where accuracy is paramount. Consider alternatives like "several thousand" or a specified range, such as "two to three thousand", depending on the context and desired level of precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several thousand

Replaces "a few" with "several", suggesting a slightly larger but still indefinite quantity.

a couple of thousand

Emphasizes a smaller quantity, closer to two thousand.

approximately three thousand

Provides a more specific estimate within the range implied by "a few thousand".

two or three thousand

Gives a more distinct range compared to "a few thousand".

roughly three thousand

More descriptive synonym that explicitly states the approximation.

around two to three thousand

Offers a range estimate instead of a vague quantifier.

in the two to three thousand range

Specifically describes the numbers falling within the described numerical range.

in the neighborhood of three thousand

Uses a more descriptive way to indicate an approximate number.

not many thousands

Uses negation to express a quantity that is less than many thousands.

a limited number of thousands

Highlights the restriction or smallness of the quantity.

FAQs

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

Use "a few thousand" to indicate an approximate quantity that is more than a hundred but less than several thousands. For example, "A few thousand people attended the concert."

What are some alternatives to "a few thousand"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "several thousand", "approximately three thousand", or "around two to three thousand".

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

While "a few thousand" is generally acceptable, formal writing often benefits from more precise numbers. Consider specifying a range like "two to three thousand" for enhanced clarity.

What's the difference between "a few thousand" and "a couple of thousand"?

"A couple of thousand" typically implies a quantity closer to two thousand, whereas "a few thousand" suggests a slightly larger, more indefinite number, usually between two and five thousand.