a handful of classes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a handful of classes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small number of classes, often implying that the number is manageable or limited. Example: "This semester, I am only taking a handful of classes to focus on my research project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Some point out that a handful of classes will not make a difference.

The New York Times

Principals and teachers are well aware that the state can detect erasures, and only a handful of classes are flagged each year, Ms. Jones said.

The New York Times

What started 25 years ago as a handful of classes at colleges in New Hampshire has grown into a network of programs that span the globe and can offer luxurious accommodations.

The New York Times

Mr. Francis, 29, is not a scientist, and has taken only a handful of classes at a community college, but he is a self-educated computer programmer from San Jose, Calif., who just happens to be comfortable, he says, discussing the theories and applications of mathematical physics, vector algebra and calculus.

The New York Times - Tech

The city's child welfare system, whose legal obligation to foster children ends when they are not much beyond adolescence, does not, by its own admission, give the departing youngsters much to work with: a handful of classes in things like cooking and resume writing, a check for $750 and up to three years of modest stipends for rent.

The New York Times

Since ClassPass users have different usage patterns — some may only go to a handful of classes while others might hit a class every day — a flat monthly rate ultimately meant that low-usage users were paying a premium to subsidize high-usage customers, who may individually be costing ClassPass money.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

There are only a handful of Class C buildings in Manhattan, because "if a building gets too far down on the food chain, it can't compete effectively," said Robert L. Freedman, chairman of Colliers International in New York.

The New York Times

They've become the face of one of a handful of class action lawsuits filed against the clinic for the loss. .

Huffington Post

Thaimee's journey to America began with a handful of cooking classes before landing in New York.

The New York Times

Mr. Arrouze's online tutorials are among a handful of cooking classes on the Web.

The New York Times - Tech

AFTER taking just a handful of yoga classes, Lisa Lew didn't know the plow from the plank and wasn't overly impressed with the age-old discipline.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a handful of classes", consider the context and audience. It's suitable for informal and general contexts but might need a more precise term in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a handful of classes" when referring to a significant number of classes. This phrase implies a small, manageable amount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a handful of classes" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "classes". It specifies the quantity of classes being referred to. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a handful of classes" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that indicates a small number of classes. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability in English writing. It's most frequently found in news and media, though its use extends to scientific contexts as well. While suitable for general and informal writing, more formal situations may require alternatives like "a small number of classes". When using this phrase, make sure to avoid overstating the actual quantity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a handful of classes

Uses "just" to highlight the small number of classes.

a few classes

Replaces "handful" with "few", indicating a small quantity.

only a few classes

Emphasizes the limitation by using "only".

a mere handful of classes

Adds emphasis to the small quantity of classes.

a small number of classes

Uses "small number" instead of "handful", providing a more formal alternative.

a limited number of classes

Emphasizes the restricted quantity of classes.

a sprinkling of classes

Suggests a very small and dispersed quantity of classes.

a smattering of classes

Implies a scattered and small amount of classes.

a select few classes

Highlights that the classes are few and carefully chosen.

a sparse selection of classes

Indicates that the available classes are limited and thinly spread.

FAQs

How can I use "a handful of classes" in a sentence?

You can use "a handful of classes" to describe taking or offering a small number of classes. For example, "I'm taking "a handful of classes" this semester to focus on my research."

What are some alternatives to "a handful of classes"?

Alternatives include "a few classes", "a small number of classes", or "a limited number of classes", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a handful of classes" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a handful of classes" may be considered informal for academic or professional writing. Using a more precise term like "a small number of classes" might be more suitable.

What does "a handful of classes" imply about the workload?

"A handful of classes" suggests a manageable workload, implying that the number of classes is small enough to allow for focused attention on each.