a handful of groups

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a handful of groups" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small number of groups, often implying that the number is not large but significant enough to be noteworthy. Example: "In the study, a handful of groups were identified as having a significant impact on the community's development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

"Now you have just a handful of groups protesting".

The New York Times

Sudanese doctors working in the NHS have also developed a handful of groups to help Sudan.

The Guardian

A handful of groups are preparing a formal request to the government.

The New York Times

A couple of years ago, just a handful of groups was researching anything with graphene.

The New York Times - Science

A handful of groups, including For Human Rights, have refused to follow the law on principle.

The Guardian

To date, only a handful of groups have succeeded in making silicene in the lab.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

A handful of group members sat around a kitchen table, each with a 26-page packet of diagrams, schedules, maps and detailed instructions for the coming weekend.

The New York Times - Arts

Attendee David Jacobs has at least five – a work-related blog, a handful of group blogs, a personal blog, and his favorite, the "mo-blog" – a web-log with photos he shoots and posts from a mobile device, like a camera phone.

Harvard University

Nimoy, who is seventy-four and has been exhibiting his fine-art photography since the early seventies, has a show up at the Bonni Benrubi Gallery, in New York, entitled "Maximum Beauty," which includes a handful of group portraits of nudes whose proportions are considerably more ample than Kirstie Alley's.

The New Yorker

A handful of Muslim groups hand out tracts in the street.

The Economist

Just a handful of small groups in Canada have offered conversion in recent decades, and its prevalence is declining as religious groups repudiate the practise.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a handful of groups", ensure the context clearly defines the larger population from which these groups are selected, providing a frame of reference for their relative scarcity or importance.

Common error

Avoid using "a handful of groups" when the actual number is insignificant or when the groups lack any real influence. This can create a misleading impression of their impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a handful of groups" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "groups". It quantifies the noun, indicating a small, limited number. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

14%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a handful of groups" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a small number of entities. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage across various domains. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase also appears in academic and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the quantity being described is indeed small and that the context provides a reference point for understanding its relative size. Alternatives such as "a few groups" or "a small number of groups" can be used to convey a similar meaning, but "a handful" adds a slightly more informal touch.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small number of groups

Replaces "handful" with "small number", focusing on the quantity.

a few groups

Uses the simpler term "few" instead of "a handful", indicating a small quantity.

just a few groups

Adds "just" for emphasis, reinforcing the small quantity.

several groups

Implies a slightly larger number than "a handful", suggesting more than just a few.

a select few groups

Adds the adjective "select", emphasizing the exclusivity or chosen nature of the groups.

a limited number of groups

Focuses on the restriction in quantity, highlighting that the number is not extensive.

a minority of groups

Highlights that the groups represent a smaller portion compared to a larger whole.

a scattering of groups

Suggests the groups are sparsely distributed or not concentrated in one area.

a sparse number of groups

Emphasizes the scarcity or limited presence of the groups.

a cluster of groups

Focuses on a group, emphasizing the idea of being closely connected.

FAQs

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

You can use "a handful of groups" to describe a small number of entities within a larger context, for example: "A handful of groups are actively campaigning for the new legislation."

What are some alternatives to saying "a handful of groups"?

Alternatives include "a few groups", "a small number of groups", or "several groups", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a handful of groups" is generally acceptable in formal writing. Although it is less formal than "a small number of groups", it is commonly used in news and media /s/contexts, as well as some academic /s/contexts.

What does "a handful of groups" imply about the total number of groups?

"A handful of groups" suggests there's a larger number of groups in total, and only a small selection of them are being referenced or are relevant in the given context.