a few universities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few universities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of universities, typically in a context discussing education or academic institutions. Example: "In my research, I found that a few universities offer specialized programs in renewable energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

A few universities have colossal endowments, but most do not.

The New York Times - Books

"Only a few universities even offered courses," Professor Pipes said.

The New York Times

She visited a few universities with her daughter.

The Guardian

A few universities continue to develop plants that can withstand both disease and pests.

The New York Times

With college grades creeping ever higher, a few universities have taken direct action against grade inflation.

The New York Times

A few universities also offer noncooking bachelor's degrees and even graduate programs in gastronomy.

The New York Times - Food

Pre-empting postdoc unions, a few universities have set up offices to address postdocs' needs.

The New York Times - Science

Unfortunately, only a few universities offer courses in critical thinking and probably even fewer secondary schools.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

She now makes $300 a month cleaning homes part-time, while she attends a few university courses on Gender Studies and works as the community moderator of her own WhatsApp group for migrant women.

Vice

Raul Gutierrez and Miguel Herrera, computer science majors at the University of Havana, are two of a few university students who E-mail web masters at sites around the world to ask for an E-mail attachment of a web page.

Forbes

Residents said only a few university students lived in the building.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few universities", ensure the context clarifies why this specific group is relevant. For example, specify if they are pioneers in a particular field or share a unique characteristic.

Common error

Avoid using "a few universities" when the exact number or specific identities of the universities are important to the discussion. In such cases, provide the names or precise quantity of institutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few universities" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "universities". It indicates a small, indefinite quantity of universities. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few universities" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to a small, unspecified number of universities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's frequently found in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources. While alternatives like "several universities" or "some universities" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use this phrase judiciously, providing more specific details when the context demands it. The phrase is considered neutral to formal in register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several universities

Replaces "a few" with "several", indicating a slightly larger, though still limited, number of universities.

some universities

Uses "some" instead of "a few", providing a more general reference to an unspecified number of universities.

a handful of universities

Emphasizes the small number more strongly using "handful".

a small number of universities

More explicitly states the limited quantity of universities.

certain universities

Indicates specific, though unnamed, universities, rather than just a quantity.

a limited number of universities

Highlights the restriction in the quantity of universities being referred to.

a minority of universities

Focuses on the universities being part of a smaller group compared to a larger whole.

selective universities

Implies that the universities are distinguished by their selectivity or exclusivity.

elite universities

Suggests universities that are considered to be among the best or most prestigious.

prominent universities

Implies universities that are well-known or influential.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few universities" to refer to a small, unspecified number of academic institutions. For example: "A few universities offer courses in critical thinking".

What can I say instead of "a few universities"?

You can use alternatives like "several universities", "some universities", or "a handful of universities" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a few universities" or "few universities"?

"A few universities" implies a small but positive number, while "few universities" suggests a smaller number than expected and often carries a negative connotation. Therefore, "a few universities" is generally used when highlighting the presence of some, even if not many.

What's the difference between "a few universities" and "the few universities"?

"A few universities" refers to an unspecified small number of universities. "The few universities" refers to a specific and limited group of universities that are already known or have been previously mentioned in the context.