a few visitors

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few visitors" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of people who come to see or attend an event or place. Example: "Yesterday, we had a few visitors at the museum who were interested in the new exhibit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Almost one in three interviewees (29%) recognized the ToL's practical uses in "health and medicine"—a few visitors mentioned seeing information about the ToL's use in research on the HIV virus.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

"He's had a few visitors, mostly people from here who heard about it.

The New York Times

"Come watch me play basketball," Williams said as he motioned over a few visitors.

The New York Times - Sports

Already by the end of the summer Corrie had shown a few visitors around.

The New Yorker

And there have been quite a few visitors: nearly half a million in 2011.

The Guardian - Travel

There's something here that does seem to warrant a little discussion from a few visitors.

The Guardian - Arts

Even in February, a few visitors stopped by to sip the original water from the pavilion's two battered taps.

The Economist

He did not identify himself on buying sprees and let only a few visitors into his basement.

The New York Times - Arts

Only a few visitors interviewed at the Queens One-Stop said they had less than positive experiences.

The New York Times

More than a few visitors believe the water is sprung from a source higher than the Department of Environmental Protection.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Sigmundo is asked to help one of the detectives, a Polish expatriate, solve the case and gets to know Paris in a way few visitors or even residents ever do.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a few visitors", ensure the context clarifies what they are visiting (e.g., a museum, a conference, a specific location). This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a few visitors" when you actually mean "many visitors". "A few" implies a small, limited number, so ensure your usage accurately reflects the quantity you intend to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few visitors" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a small, indefinite quantity of people who are visiting a place or attending an event. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few visitors" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a small number of people who are visiting a particular place or event. As indicated by Ludwig, it's primarily used as a noun phrase and carries a neutral tone, fitting well in various contexts like news reporting, general descriptions, and casual conversation. The phrase's frequency and authoritative sources confirm its broad acceptance and utility in the English language. While "a few visitors" is generally clear, ensure the context provides specific details about what the individuals are visiting to avoid ambiguity. Remember, using "a few" indicates a small, limited number, accurately reflecting the quantity you're describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Several guests

Replaces "few" with "several", indicating a slightly larger, but still limited, number of people.

A small number of attendees

Uses more formal language to describe a limited group of people.

A handful of people

Emphasizes the small quantity of individuals present.

A limited number of guests

Highlights the restricted count of people.

Some people present

Offers a more general way to mention the presence of individuals.

A scattering of tourists

Implies a wider distribution and a less concentrated grouping than just "visitors".

A couple of attendees

Specifies even a smaller number than "a few", suggesting just two people.

A trickle of people

Describes a slow and gradual arrival of individuals.

Sparse attendees

Conveys a sense of low density or frequency of visitors.

A smattering of onlookers

Describes people who are watching something, instead of actively visiting.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few visitors" to describe a small number of people who are visiting a place or event. For example, "A few visitors stopped by the art gallery to view the new exhibit."

What is a more formal alternative to "a few visitors"?

A more formal alternative to "a few visitors" is "a small number of attendees" or "a limited number of guests", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "few visitors" instead of "a few visitors"?

While both are grammatically correct, "few visitors" implies a smaller number than "a few visitors". "Few" can also carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that the number is disappointingly small.

What is the difference between "a few visitors" and "several visitors"?

"A few visitors" indicates a small number, generally less than five. "Several visitors" indicates more than "a few" but less than "many", typically between three and seven.