a select few

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a select few" is correct and usable in written English.
It usually refer to a small group of people that have been chosen for a certain purpose. For example: "Out of the thousands of applicants, only a select few were chosen for the prestigious award."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sure, a select few have come close.

The New York Times - Sports

A select few become home runs.

Harvard Business Review

But only a select few will race.

The New York Times - Sports

We don't want only a select few".

The New York Times

For a select few the answer seems to be "yes".

The Guardian

Will everyone involved be named or only a select few?

The New York Times

Only a select few will get to see it.

The New York Times - Magazine

But a select few are getting ready to run further.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A select few start careers of singular, exquisite promise.

The New York Times

And only a select few have witnessed her preternatural resilience.

The New York Times

Only a select few have the president's ear.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a select few", ensure that the criteria for selection are clear to avoid ambiguity. If the criteria are not explicitly stated, the reader might misinterpret the reasons behind the selection.

Common error

Avoid using "a select few" in highly informal or casual settings where simpler alternatives like "some people" or "a few" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious or overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a select few" functions as a determiner phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating a small, specifically chosen subset of a larger group. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase as grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

26%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a select few" is a versatile phrase used to denote a small, chosen group. It is deemed grammatically correct and very common, according to Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to highlight exclusivity or limitation, often appearing in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the selection criteria are clear and avoid overuse in very informal situations. Alternatives like "a certain few" or "a limited few" can be considered for variety and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a certain few

Replaces "select" with "certain", indicating a specific but not necessarily chosen group.

a small few

Emphasizes the small number of individuals in the group.

a limited few

Highlights the restricted number of individuals included.

a chosen few

Focuses on the act of selection or preference.

a select couple

Specifies an even smaller number, specifically two.

a handful

Uses a more figurative term to indicate a small quantity.

an elite group

Suggests a group with superior qualities or status.

a privileged few

Implies that the group enjoys special advantages or opportunities.

the favored few

Emphasizes that some individuals are given preference

a restricted number

Highlights that the quantity is limited

FAQs

How can I use "a select few" in a sentence?

You can use "a select few" to refer to a small group of people or things chosen for a particular reason. For example, "Only "a select few" students were invited to the exclusive workshop."

What can I say instead of "a select few"?

You can use alternatives such as "a certain few", "a small few", or "a limited few" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a select few" or "the select few"?

"A select few" and "the select few" are both correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A select few" refers to an unspecified small group, while "the select few" refers to a specific, previously identified group.

What's the difference between "a select few" and "some"?

"A select few" implies a more deliberate choice or filtering process than "some". While "some" simply indicates a portion of a larger group, ""a select few"" suggests that those individuals were chosen based on specific criteria.