a handful of fields

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a handful of fields" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small number of fields or areas, often in a context where you want to emphasize that the quantity is limited. Example: "In our research, we focused on a handful of fields that showed the most promise for innovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Even then, only a handful of fields have a high enough concentration of helium to make extracting it financially worthwhile.

The New York Times

The mountain's year-round ice is mostly to be found in a handful of fields around the volcano's central crater.

The New York Times

So far, I've found a handful of fields above threshold with this new infestation and I'm sure we'll be keeping an eye out for increasing worm populations.

Cornell University

Thus far, I have confirmed Phytophthora root and stem rot, northern stem canker and Fusarium wilt in a handful of fields, but these problems are likely more widespread and we'll probably continue to see more samples.

Cornell University

The interesting thing is, from the economic point of view, it does not make much difference because there are just a handful of fields, and not very important ones now, between the median line and the line north of Berwick.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Dean had backing from the Party's antiwar wing, which supported his briefly astounding run for the Democratic nomination in 2004, but his main support came from state Party leaders, and he has rewarded them by funding a handful of field workers in each state to help fortify the local parties.

The New Yorker

That calculation is usually based on a handful of field experiments.

HuffPost

And while overall Russian production continues to inch upward (about 1.6 percent so far this year), that is thanks only to a strong burst of drilling in the older fields, plus the development of a handful of new fields at the periphery of the country.

The New York Times

But the vast bulk of Saudi production comes from a handful of "supergiant" fields, most of which have been pumped for decades.

The Economist

Law, science, journalism, criminology, urban planning, and entertainment are but a handful of the fields remade by the introduction of photography.

Columbia University

Premier Oil dipped 5.1p to 166p amid the oil price slide, despite completing the sale of a handful of unwanted fields ifor $147.5m in cash.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a handful of fields", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes a "field". This could refer to areas of study, physical locations, or specific sectors, depending on your subject matter.

Common error

Avoid using "a handful of fields" when referring to a large number. This phrase implies a small quantity, and misusing it can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a handful of fields" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "fields". Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

40%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a handful of fields" is a grammatically sound and relatively infrequent expression used to denote a small number of fields or areas. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media and academic contexts and serves to emphasize the limited quantity being discussed. Alternative phrases like "a few fields" or "a small number of fields" can be used for similar effect. When writing, it's important to ensure the context clearly defines what "field" refers to and to avoid using the phrase when referring to a large quantity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small number of fields

Replaces "handful" with "small number", emphasizing the limited quantity.

a few fields

Uses "few" as a direct synonym for "handful", indicating a limited quantity.

several fields

Employs "several" to suggest more than a few, but still a relatively small amount.

a limited number of fields

Explicitly states the restriction in quantity using "limited".

only a few fields

Adds "only" for emphasis on the scarcity.

a select few fields

Indicates that the fields are not only few in number but also chosen for a specific reason.

a restricted set of fields

Focuses on the limitation or constraint on the group of fields.

a scattering of fields

Implies that the fields are sparsely distributed.

a sparse selection of fields

Highlights the lack of abundance in the selection of fields.

a smattering of fields

Suggests a small and varied assortment of fields.

FAQs

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

You can use "a handful of fields" to describe a small number of areas, like: "The research focused on "a handful of fields" to ensure a deep understanding of each one."

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

Alternatives include "a small number of fields", "a few fields", or "several fields" depending on the exact quantity you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "a handful of fields" is acceptable in formal writing, although alternatives like "a limited number of fields" might be perceived as slightly more formal.

What does "a handful of fields" imply about the scope of a project or study?

Using "a handful of fields" suggests a focused and limited scope, implying that the project or study concentrates on a small selection of areas rather than attempting to cover a broad range.