a handful of requests

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a handful of requests" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a small number of requests, typically implying that the number is manageable or not overwhelming. Example: "After reviewing the project, I received a handful of requests for additional information from the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

We get a handful of requests per year, and we're doing it.

The New York Times - Health

Only a handful of requests for wiretaps have been turned down in recent years.

The New York Times

None produced more than a handful of requests, though.

TechCrunch

This, it decried, is especially true of company that "receive only a handful of requests or none at all".

TechCrunch

His final rendition of the annual speech focused more on aspirational themes than on ambitious new plans, and contained only a handful of requests to Congress.

Los Angeles Times

He says while working at a shop in San Francisco's Castro neighborhood, he sidestepped a handful of requests to incorporate blood and semen into tattoos.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Mr. Obama has conceded that only a handful of warrant requests have ever been turned down (a few have been modified), a success rate he attributes to government restraint.

The New York Times

The new arrangement, which switches some of the Council's 51 members to the front from the back and vice versa, was determined by a combination of seniority, numerical order and a handful of special requests, officials said.

The New York Times

We looked at our packed diary and pointed to a handful of pending request cards.

Cancer Imaging

At the back of the file we find a handful of old letters, requests from the Sborowitz brothers to the Czech authorities for the return of their factory.

The Guardian

Since its creation in 1978, the foreign intelligence surveillance (Fisa) court has only rejected a handful of the thousands of requests for surveillance made by the FBI or the National Security Agency, prompting a perception of the court as a step in the wiretapping process, rather than the major judicial check on unreasonable searches and seizures.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a handful of requests" when you want to emphasize that the number of requests is small and manageable. This can be useful in reports or updates where you want to downplay the workload or the level of demand.

Common error

Avoid using "a handful of requests" if the actual number is significant. Overusing this phrase can mislead the audience and undermine the credibility of your communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a handful of requests" functions as a quantifier, modifying the noun "requests". It indicates a small, manageable quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a handful of requests" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a small, manageable number of requests. As Ludwig AI points out, it's best used when you want to downplay the volume and suggest that the workload is not overwhelming. It is frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts and maintains a neutral register. While acceptable, be mindful not to misuse it by understating a larger volume of requests, as this could undermine your message's credibility. Consider alternatives like "a few requests" or "a small number of requests" for greater precision or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few requests

Replaces "handful" with "few", indicating a small quantity with a more common term.

a small number of requests

More explicitly states the quantity as small, adding clarity.

a limited number of requests

Emphasizes the restricted quantity of requests received.

a modest amount of requests

Highlights the requests amount is not big.

a sprinkling of requests

Uses a more figurative term to describe a small and scattered amount of requests.

a trickle of requests

Suggests a slow and small flow of requests coming in.

only a few demands

Replaces "requests" with "demands" to suggest a slightly stronger or more urgent need.

a smattering of inquiries

Uses "inquiries" to replace "requests", focusing on the questioning aspect.

a select few requests

Indicates that the requests are not only few but also chosen or specific.

a restricted set of requests

Highlights that the requests come from a limited pool or scope.

FAQs

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

You can use "a handful of requests" to indicate a small number of demands or inquiries, as in, "We received "a handful of requests" for information after the presentation".

What's the difference between "a handful of requests" and "a lot of requests"?

"A handful of requests" implies a small, manageable number, whereas "a lot of requests" suggests a large, potentially overwhelming quantity. The choice depends on the actual number and the impression you want to convey.

Are there more formal alternatives to "a handful of requests"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "a small number of requests" or "a limited number of requests" in more formal contexts. These alternatives are less colloquial and more precise.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a handful of requests"?

It is inappropriate to use "a handful of requests" if the actual number of requests is substantial or if the volume is causing significant challenges. Using it in such cases would be misleading.