a handful of multinationals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a handful of multinationals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small number of multinational companies or corporations, often in discussions about their influence or impact in a particular context. Example: "In the global market, a handful of multinationals dominate the industry, making it difficult for smaller companies to compete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

So, apparently, are a handful of multinationals.

The Economist

He had been dismayed to find that so many were tightly held by a handful of multinationals.

The New York Times

He points to Grameen's joint ventures with a handful of multinationals in Bangladesh, including Intel (Internet technology for rural towns), Groupe Danone (inexpensive, fortified yogurt to combat malnutrition), and BASF (anti-malarial mosquito nets).

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Were PBS or NPR to be diminished, a handful of multinational media outlets would completely dominate the US media market.

The Guardian - Opinion

c) A handful of multinational corporations will control virtually all recorded music, limiting public access to it while ruthlessly exploiting musicians.

The New York Times - Arts

It was just a small part of a pattern on three continents where a handful of multinational security companies have been turning crackdowns on immigration into a growing global industry.

The New York Times

Arguments that a market dominated by a handful of multinational corporate enterprises can operate in a way that stifles innovation, creativity and diversity no longer seem to generate such strong calls for a reform of intellectual property law.

The Guardian

Digitisation brings undoubted benefits, but if we want to prevent becoming "remote-controlled 'data cows' who live in a world ruled over by a handful of multinational companies," he said, "we cannot leave debating 'internet issues' to the nerds.

The Guardian - Tech

In a long, wide-ranging interview in Hong Kong six years ago, Mr. Li said that he had already been researching international automotive brands and had been dismayed to find that so many were tightly held by a handful of multinational companies.

The New York Times

Remember when most commercially successful albums were released by a handful of multinational corporations who courted radio conglomerates to play them and supplied chain stores to sell them?

BBC

He added: "Any new public construction projects must be the right ones, with the money being spent to benefit our economy, not a handful of multinational construction firms.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a handful of multinationals", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific industry or area where these companies exert influence to avoid ambiguity. For example: "a handful of multinationals in the tech industry".

Common error

Avoid using "a handful of multinationals" without providing any context or specific examples, as this can weaken your argument. Instead, try to name at least one or two of the companies or specify their field of operation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a handful of multinationals" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It refers to a small, select group of companies operating on a global scale. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a handful of multinationals" correctly describes a small number of large international corporations. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically sound and usable in various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While not a highly frequent phrase, it effectively conveys concentrated influence and power. When using this phrase, providing specific context or examples of the companies involved is recommended for greater clarity. Alternative phrases like "a few multinational corporations" or "a small number of multinational companies" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few multinational corporations

Replaces "handful" with "few", offering a slightly less informal tone.

a small number of multinational companies

Substitutes "handful" with "small number", providing a more precise and formal alternative.

several global enterprises

Replaces "handful" with "several" and "multinationals" with "global enterprises", altering both the quantity and entity descriptors.

a select group of international firms

Emphasizes the exclusivity of the group using "select" and replaces "multinationals" with "international firms".

a limited number of transnational corporations

Uses "limited number" instead of "handful" and "transnational corporations" for "multinationals", adding a layer of formality.

a cluster of worldwide conglomerates

Replaces "handful" with "cluster" and "multinationals" with "worldwide conglomerates", changing the imagery and the type of entity.

some multinational organizations

Offers a broader term, "organizations", instead of the more specific "companies".

a minority of global players

Shifts the focus to the proportion of companies, using "minority" instead of a direct quantity.

a restricted set of international businesses

Emphasizes the limited nature using "restricted set" and uses "international businesses" as a broader term.

elite international corporations

Introduces a sense of prestige and exclusivity by using "elite" to describe the corporations.

FAQs

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

You can use "a handful of multinationals" to describe a small number of large international companies that have significant influence in a particular industry or market. For example, "A handful of multinationals dominate the global beverage market".

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

Alternatives include "a few multinational corporations", "a small number of multinational companies", or "several global enterprises" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a handful of multinationals" or "few multinationals"?

"A handful of multinationals" is slightly more informal and emphasizes the small number more strongly than "few multinationals". The choice depends on the desired tone and context.

What impact does "a handful of multinationals" have on smaller businesses?

"A handful of multinationals" can often create barriers to entry for smaller businesses due to their significant resources, brand recognition, and established distribution networks.