a few try

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few try" is not correct in standard written English.
It may be an attempt to express that a small number of people or things are attempting something, but it lacks proper grammatical structure. Example: "A few try to solve the problem, but most give up."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

The New York Times - Arts

The Guardian - Sport

Harvard Business Review

Vice

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

A few try to resist.

The Washington Post

A few try to win attention by condemning patriotism.

The New York Times

A few try to tailgate the ambulance as police officers clear the way.

The New York Times

A few try to track employees' effectiveness for perhaps two years after attending a programme.

The Economist

A few try mini-power stations that use hydropower or burn rice husks or methane from cow dung.

The Economist

With limited crossing facilities heading north from the bus station a few try to cross it on foot.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

However, Leeds also squandered a few try-scoring chances when they had Saints on the back foot in the second half.

The Guardian - Sport

"You get educated after a few tries".

The New York Times - Sports

Timing the maneuver exactly right may take a few tries.

The New York Times

It took me a few tries to pronounce that.

The New York Times

After a few tries, I made the right cast.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to indicate that a limited number of people are attempting something, always ensure that the verb agrees with the subject. Instead of "a few try", use "a few try" or "some try" for correct grammar.

Common error

Avoid using "a few try" because it's grammatically incorrect. "A few" implies a plural subject, so the verb should be "try". The correct form is "a few try".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few try" (though grammatically incorrect) intends to function as a subject and verb, where "a few" acts as a quantifier specifying a small number, and "try" represents the action they are performing. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, standard English requires subject-verb agreement, which this phrase violates.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

The New York Times - Arts

10%

The Guardian - Sport

10%

Harvard Business Review

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the expression "a few try" appears in various contexts, Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically incorrect. Standard English requires subject-verb agreement, so the correct form is "a few try". The intended meaning is to convey that a small number of individuals are attempting something. It's best to use alternatives like "some attempt" or "a small number attempt" to maintain grammatical accuracy, especially in formal or professional settings. Common sources like The New York Times and BBC occasionally use it, but it is advised to always double-check that the verb agrees with the subject to avoid errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

some attempt

Replaces "a few" with "some", offering a more concise expression of a similar idea.

several endeavor

Substitutes both "a few" and "try" to provide a more formal tone while maintaining the core meaning.

a small number attempt

Replaces "a few" with a more descriptive phrase, clarifying the quantity involved in the action.

a handful seek

Uses "a handful" for a small quantity and "seek" as a synonym for "try", altering the tone slightly.

a couple attempt

Uses "a couple" implying two entities make an effort, altering the count.

a select few strive

Replaces "a few" with "a select few" and "try" with "strive", adding emphasis and formality.

just a few venture

Emphasizes the limited number involved, replacing "try" with "venture" to suggest a degree of risk or daring.

a minority undertake

Expresses that a small portion of a group is taking action, using "undertake" to indicate a serious effort.

a sprinkling attempt

Uses "a sprinkling" for an extremely small quantity, softening the statement.

a portion make an effort

Emphasizes that a part of the group is exerting effort, using a slightly more complex structure.

FAQs

How can I correct the phrase "a few try" in a sentence?

The grammatically correct way to express this idea is to use "a few try". Since "a few" implies a plural subject, the verb should be in its base form.

What are some alternative ways to say "a few try" while maintaining a similar meaning?

You can use alternatives like "some attempt", "several endeavor", or "a small number attempt" depending on the context.

Is it ever correct to say "a few try"?

No, "a few try" is not grammatically correct in standard English. The correct form is "a few try", ensuring subject-verb agreement.

What is the difference between "a few try" and "a few tries"?

"A few try" (grammatically incorrect) is meant to indicate that a small number of individuals are making an attempt. "A few tries" refers to multiple attempts at something.