a few writers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few writers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of writers in a general context. Example: "A few writers have expressed their opinions on the matter in various publications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A few writers have taken note.

The New York Times

A few writers remain confined to the elite.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A few writers were permitted to become self-indulgent.

The New Yorker

A few writers would undoubtedly have done the same for Bonds and Clemens.

The New York Times

A few writers have expressed themselves on the matter of families, not always encouragingly.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Zanuck also kept a few writers, including Ernest Lehman, who wrote "The Sound of Music".

The New York Times - Arts

In the history of soap opera, only a few writers have seriously tried to improve the quality of daytime serials.

The New Yorker

"After that, a few writers came up and told me how much they enjoyed my site," Fisher said.

The New York Times - Sports

A few writers are paid, with their work solicited by a small editing team, but most are not.

The New York Times

THOR'S WORLD: More than a few writers who appear regularly on the best-seller list do so under assumed names.

The New York Times

A few writers have returned to gigs they had hoped to forget: waiting tables, bartending, copywriting, tutoring.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a few writers", ensure the context makes it clear whether the small number is significant or not. For example, "A few writers have challenged the established norms" suggests their impact is noteworthy despite their small number.

Common error

Avoid implying widespread agreement or impact when using "a few writers". Ensure the rest of your sentence reflects the limited scope of their views or actions. Don't say "A few writers changed the course of history" unless it's demonstrably true.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few writers" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it introduces a limited number of people who are engaged in the act of writing. The presence of the determiner "a few" specifies a small quantity, setting it apart from phrases like "many writers" or "all writers".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

18%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a few writers" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to denote a small number of individuals engaged in writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from news reporting to academic discourse. Its frequency in news and media sources reflects its common usage in describing groups of writers. When employing this phrase, consider alternatives like "several authors" or "some writers" to fine-tune the intended meaning and impact. Remember to avoid overstating the influence or reach of "a few writers" to maintain accuracy and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several authors

Replaces "few" with "several", implying a slightly larger but still indefinite number.

some writers

Uses "some" as a more general and neutral quantifier instead of "a few".

a handful of writers

Emphasizes the small number using the idiom "a handful of".

a small number of writers

More formal and explicit about the quantity.

a couple of writers

Indicates a very small number, specifically two.

several contributors

Broader term that includes writers and others who contribute content.

a limited number of authors

Highlights the restriction on the number of authors.

not many writers

Expresses the small quantity in a negative way.

only a few writers

Emphasizes the exclusivity or limited nature of the number.

a select group of writers

Implies that the writers are chosen or special in some way.

FAQs

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

You can use "a few writers" to indicate that a small number of people have expressed a particular opinion or contributed to something. For example, "A few writers have criticized the new policy."

What are some alternatives to "a few writers"?

Alternatives to "a few writers" include "several authors", "some writers", or "a handful of writers". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "a few writers" or "few writers"?

"A few writers" implies a small but positive number, whereas "few writers" suggests a smaller number than expected or desired. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "a few writers" and "several writers"?

"A few writers" typically indicates a smaller quantity than "several writers". While both suggest a limited number, "several" implies a somewhat larger group than "a few".