a handful of models

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a handful of models" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small number of models, typically in contexts such as research, design, or analysis. Example: "In our study, we focused on a handful of models to evaluate their performance under different conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Well, there are a handful of models on the market, but sales haven't been brisk.

The New York Times

Lexus and Infiniti make just a handful of models and Acura fewer still.

The Economist

To avoid biasing results towards one or a handful of models, only the first realization of each model was used.

Nature

However, it is cost prohibitive to make more than a handful of models and part materials are also limited.

Journal of Materials Processing Technology

Only a handful of models in MacDowell's era - notably Rene Russo, Geena Davis and Sharon Stone - have made it in the movies.

Independent

"There are dozens or at least a handful of models like Cristo Rey, that are viable, successful schools that have targeted needy kids for years, very much out of the public eye," Ms. Allen said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Our current understanding of brain development is based on a handful of model systems.

Progress in Brain Research

While many models exist in the literature for description of lab-scale direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) performance, only a handful of modelling attempts at full-scale have been described.

Journal of Membrane Science

As a light snow began to fall, they made their way past a handful of model homes to a wooden A-frame whose spare, modern lines could be straight out of Dwell magazine.

The New York Times

The literary nadir, however, was not reached until the Cultural Revolution (1966 76), when the only literature available was a few carefully screened works by Lu Xun, a handful of model revolutionary operas, known as yangbanxi, and the revolutionary-romantic novels of Hao Ran.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But there are just a handful of model organisms, compared to the nearly nine million species on the earth and in the seas.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a handful of models", ensure the context makes it clear what "models" refers to (e.g., car models, scientific models, fashion models) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a handful of models" when you actually mean a larger number. "A handful" implies a small, easily manageable quantity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a handful of models" functions as a determiner phrase modifying the noun "models". It specifies a limited quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English, indicating its acceptance in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a handful of models" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to denote a small quantity or selection of models across diverse fields. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English. While versatile, it is advisable to consider the context; for formal settings, phrases like "a limited number of models" or "a select few models" might be more fitting. Its prevalence in news and science contexts underscores its widespread application in describing manageable quantities within research, design, or analytical discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few models

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

only a few models

Adds emphasis on the limited quantity.

just a few models

Replaces the article with the word "just" to emphasize a small quantity.

several models

Uses "several" instead of "handful", suggesting a small but indefinite number.

a small number of models

Replaces "handful" with the more formal "small number", emphasizing the quantity.

a limited selection of models

Focuses on the limited nature of the choice, rather than just the quantity.

a restricted set of models

Highlights the constrained or limited nature of the models available.

a select few models

Emphasizes the exclusivity or special nature of the models.

a sparse collection of models

Indicates that the number of models is thinly distributed or not abundant.

a scattering of models

Suggests that the models are distributed unevenly and are not numerous.

FAQs

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

You can use "a handful of models" to describe a limited selection, such as "Only "a handful of models" offer that specific feature."

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

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

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

While grammatically correct, "a handful of models" might be considered less formal. In formal writing, consider using "a small number of models" or "a limited selection of models".

What's the difference between "a handful of models" and "a variety of models"?

"A handful of models" suggests a small quantity, while "a variety of models" implies diversity within the selection, regardless of the total number.