a handful of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a handful of things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small number of items or concepts, often implying that the quantity is manageable or limited. Example: "During the meeting, we discussed a handful of things that need to be addressed before the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was a handful of things.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm looking for a handful of things.

The New York Times

There are a handful of things.

The Guardian

"Once Phil really sized him up, he got a handful of things from him".

The New Yorker

Still, there are a handful of things Mr. Lamont seems unsure of.

The New York Times

"Science is one of a handful of things that defines us as a very special species," Mr. Milner said.

The New York Times

If it were one of only a handful of things to eat, trust me, we'd develop a taste for it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When Alex Turner and Richard Ayoade first met, they bonded over a handful of things: The Sweeney, clowns and a desire not to plump for the obvious.

Independent

You know how there are millions (O.K., a handful) of things you swear you would do if you only had the time?

The New York Times - Magazine

You were trending on Facebook recently, because you listed a handful of things that people love to eat but you refuse to eat for safety reasons.

Independent

To begin to shift the way you deal with stress and cultivate resilience, there are a handful of things you can do right now.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a handful of things" when you want to convey that you are dealing with a manageable, small number of items or considerations. It helps set expectations and implies a focused approach.

Common error

While "a handful of things" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a few items" or "several aspects" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a handful of things" functions as a quantifier, specifically indicating a small, manageable quantity. It is often used to introduce a list or summary of items, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a handful of things" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote a small, manageable number of items or aspects. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples across various contexts, including news, business, and academic writing. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more precise language in highly formal settings. When writing, remember that this phrase helps to set expectations by indicating a focused approach to a limited number of considerations. While commonly used, avoid over-reliance on the phrase by alternating with synonyms to provide variety and maintain reader engagement. Top sources include The New York Times, The Guardian, Forbes, HuffPost, and TechCrunch, affirming its widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few things

Indicates a small number, similar to "a handful of things" but less idiomatic.

several items

Implies a small number of distinct objects or points.

a limited number of items

Highlights the restriction in quantity.

a small quantity of matters

Replaces "things" with "matters", making it slightly more formal.

a select few aspects

Emphasizes the chosen or specific nature of the small number of things.

a restricted set of issues

Highlights the limited and problematic nature of the items.

a sprinkle of details

Uses a metaphor to describe a small number of items.

a modest amount of items

Expresses a limited quantity in a more subdued way.

a minimum of aspects

Emphasizes the bare minimum.

a small assortment of items

Suggests variety within the small number of items.

FAQs

What does "a handful of things" mean?

The phrase "a handful of things" refers to a small number of items or considerations. It suggests a manageable quantity that can be easily addressed or remembered.

What can I say instead of "a handful of things"?

You can use alternatives like "a few things", "several items", or "a limited number of items" depending on the context.

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

While generally acceptable, "a handful of things" is more common in informal or neutral contexts. For formal writing, consider more precise language like "a limited number of factors" or "several key aspects".

How do I use "a handful of things" in a sentence?

You can use "a handful of things" to introduce a list or summarize a small number of points. For example: "We need to address "a handful of things" before the project launches."