a small few

USAGE SUMMARY

"a small few" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to a limited, but significant number of people or things. For example, "Only a small few of the applicants made it to the final round of interviews."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The following is a small 2D illustration.

University of California, Berkeley

Was only a small 4 room apt.

The New Yorker

The researchers used a small, 0.5-tesla magnet.

The Guardian

The FATF is a small, 38-member intergovernmental body.

The Washington Post

"I'll have a small.22 and a dry martini," he recalls thinking, impishly.

The New York Times

And an outline on a small 48 x 36 inch chalkboard (a 50+ dollar board).

Harvard University

Place a small (6- to 8-inch) nonstick or well-seasoned skillet over medium-low heat.

The New York Times

There is also a small, 10-table dining room and a room for parties.

The New York Times

"The day before yesterday, we cornered a small, 20-pound bear.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, lightly grease a small (4-cup) terrine or loaf pan.

The New York Times - Magazine

However, a small £200m raise would do this, meaning much less dilution risk.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a small few" when you want to emphasize that the number is limited but still significant enough to warrant mentioning. Consider using more common alternatives like "just a few" or "a handful" for broader appeal.

Common error

Avoid using "a small few" in contexts where simpler, more modern phrasing would be more appropriate. Overusing archaic language can make your writing sound unnatural or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small few" functions as a determiner modifying a noun (often implied). It indicates a limited, but not insignificant, quantity. Despite Ludwig suggesting correctness, the absence of frequent examples shows it is used more deliberately than other quantifiers.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small few" is a grammatically correct way to indicate a limited number or quantity. However, Ludwig indicates that it is not a frequently used phrase. As such, while grammatically sound, writers should consider whether a more common alternative like ""just a few"" or ""a handful"" would be more appropriate for their intended audience. It appears to be more neutral-leaning than casual.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a few

Slightly more informal and casual.

a handful

Emphasizes a very small, easily countable number; less formal.

a limited number

More formal and emphasizes the restriction in quantity.

a mere handful

Emphasizes the insignificance of the small quantity.

a select group

Highlights exclusivity and special characteristic of the few.

a small selection

Highlights the act of choosing from a larger set.

a tiny minority

Emphasizes the significantly smaller proportion.

only a couple

Indicates specifically two, or very close to two.

a sparse number

Highlights the scarcity and distribution of the quantity.

a sprinkling

Implies an uneven distribution and a light presence.

FAQs

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

Use "a small few" to indicate a limited quantity that is still noteworthy. For example, "Only a small few of the applicants were selected for the final interview round."

What are some alternatives to "a small few"?

You can use alternatives like "just a few", "a handful", or "a limited number" depending on the context.

Is it more common to say "a small few" or "just a few"?

"Just a few" is generally more common and widely used in everyday conversation and writing. "A small few" carries a slightly more formal tone but might be considered less direct.

When is it appropriate to use "a small few" instead of "few"?

Use "a small few" when you want to emphasize the limited quantity. "Few" can sometimes imply a negative connotation (lack), whereas "a small few" highlights that there's still some, albeit not many.