a few working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few working" is not correct and lacks clarity in written English.
It may be intended to refer to a small number of items or people that are functioning or employed, but it needs additional context to be meaningful. Example: "We have a few working prototypes that we can demonstrate at the meeting."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Although there were still many artists, only a few working boats remained.

The Economist

"I came to broker a few working relationships, and that's happened.

The Guardian - Money

To be fair, there are still working antennas out there, just as there are still a few working water-powered sawmills.

The New York Times

The court was also told that some of the men were married and had children, with some working in the market and a few working as taxi drivers.

Independent

£54 per double or twin, B&B, [phone], elgualicho.com.ar Monte Dinero One of only a few working sheep farms open to visitors; accommodation is lavish and the food some of the best in Patagonia.

The Guardian - Travel

"I didn't do any of that sort of research, but I've known quite a few working boys over the years and I talked to them about what it feels like.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

A few worked at city car dealerships, insurance companies or restaurants.

The New York Times - Sports

A few worked with the city.

Vice

Since just a few worked exclusively afternoon shifts, this category was combined with the morning shift.

Plosone

I got ahead on a few work projects.

The New Yorker

A few works are sombre but most are exuberant.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few working", ensure the context clearly indicates what is 'working'. Specify the objects or entities that are in an operational state to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a few working" without a clear noun or context. For example, instead of "a few working", clarify with "a few working models" or "a few working solutions" to provide better understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few working" functions as a quantifier plus adjective, modifying a noun that is often implied but not explicitly stated. Ludwig AI indicates that it may lack clarity, hence the importance of ensuring the context is clear.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

41%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few working" is a common way to express that a small number of items are functional or operational. However, it often lacks explicit context, which Ludwig AI identifies as a potential source of ambiguity. While widely used in news and scientific articles, it's crucial to ensure clarity by specifying what exactly is "working". For more formal or professional contexts, alternatives such as "several operational" or "a limited number functioning" might be more suitable. By providing clear context and choosing appropriate synonyms, you can effectively convey your intended meaning and avoid any confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several operational

Emphasizes functionality and number, replacing 'few' with 'several' and 'working' with 'operational'.

a handful of functional

Replaces 'few' with 'handful', indicating a small quantity, and 'working' with 'functional', focusing on capability.

some functioning

Uses 'some' to indicate quantity and 'functioning' as a synonym for 'working'.

a couple of active

Indicates a smaller quantity with 'couple' and replaces 'working' with 'active', suggesting current operation.

a limited number operating

Highlights the restriction in quantity and uses 'operating' to denote active status.

a small amount running

Emphasizes the diminutive quantity and uses 'running' to indicate continuous operation.

just a few operative

Adds emphasis with 'just' and uses 'operative' to convey being in effect or operation.

only a few in service

Highlights the exclusiveness with 'only' and specifies being 'in service' to mean operational.

a scattering of effective

Indicates a sparse quantity and uses 'effective' to highlight capability and success.

a minority performing

Emphasizes the fewer number with 'minority' and replaces 'working' with 'performing' to indicate action.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a few working" for better clarity?

Consider alternatives like "several "functional units"", "some "operational systems"", or "a handful of "active components"" to improve precision.

Is "a few working" grammatically correct in all contexts?

While commonly used, "a few working" may lack clarity. Providing more specific context, such as "a few working examples", enhances grammatical precision and understanding.

What are some professional alternatives to "a few working"?

In professional settings, using phrases like "a limited number of "functioning devices"" or "a small selection of "operational tools"" can provide a more formal tone.

How does the meaning change with phrases similar to "a few working"?

Using alternatives like "several "operative machines"" or "some "performing tasks"" may shift the focus to the action or performance rather than just the operational status implied by "working".