a good few

USAGE SUMMARY

"a good few" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe an amount that is more than a few, but not quite a large or exact number. Example: "I've been to this restaurant a good few times and they always have great service." In this sentence, the speaker is emphasizing that they have been to the restaurant several times, but it is more than just a few times. Another example: "I have a good few books on my shelf that I have yet to read." Here, the speaker is referring to a number of books that is more than just a few, but not a specific or large number.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But a good few, yes.

The Guardian - Books

No, not a good few days.

The Washington Post

Frank has a good few quid.

The Guardian - Tech

"Many lost?" "Yes: a good few.

The Guardian - Books

"It's been a good few months.

The Guardian

A good few weeks in March, though, could change that.

The Washington Post

It discombobulated me for a good few weeks.

The Guardian

It has been a good few days for Leanne Wood.

The Guardian

"I've been studying hard for a good few months now.

The Guardian

"It was a good few weeks after we'd lost him.

The Guardian

Bullying, meanwhile, predates the internet by a good few centuries.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a good few" to indicate a moderate quantity that is more than just a few, but not a large or precise number. This phrase works well when you want to avoid being too specific while still conveying that there is a noticeable amount.

Common error

While "a good few" is generally acceptable, it can sound informal in academic or professional writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "several", "a number of", or specify the quantity if possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good few" functions as a quantifier, modifying nouns to indicate an indefinite quantity that is more than just 'a few' but less than 'many'. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used to describe an amount that is neither small nor large.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good few" is a common and correct English phrase used as a quantifier to indicate a moderate quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests more than 'a few' but less than 'many'. While its usage is widespread, particularly in News & Media, it's crucial to consider the context. In more formal settings, such as academic or professional writing, it's advisable to use more precise alternatives like "several" or "a number of". Keep in mind that while "a good few" effectively conveys an approximate quantity, precision might be preferable depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite a few

Emphasizes the quantity as being noteworthy or significant.

several

Implies a number greater than two but less than many, with a more formal tone.

a number of

Indicates an unspecified quantity, often used in more formal contexts.

a fair number

Similar in meaning but emphasizes reasonableness or acceptability of the quantity.

quite a number of

Combines emphasis and unspecified quantity, suitable for a slightly more formal tone.

a decent amount

Focuses on the sufficiency or satisfactoriness of the quantity.

a handful of

Suggests a small but noticeable quantity, easily managed or counted.

a scattering of

Implies a distributed and not overwhelming quantity.

a small collection of

Indicates a curated or intentional grouping of items.

more than a couple

Expresses a quantity exceeding two, useful in informal contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good few" to describe a moderate quantity. For example, "I have "a good few" friends coming over this weekend" indicates that more than just a couple of friends are expected.

What are some alternatives to "a good few"?

Alternatives include "several", "a number of", or "quite a few", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a good few"?

While grammatically correct, "a good few" might be considered too informal for academic or highly professional writing. In such contexts, more precise or formal alternatives are preferable.

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

"A few" indicates a small number, whereas ""a good few"" suggests a quantity that is noticeably more than just a small number, implying a moderate amount.