although very few

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "although very few" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrast or exception regarding a limited number of people, things, or instances. Example: "Although very few students passed the exam, those who did achieved remarkable scores."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is debt guaranteed by the public, although very few people know about it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although very few trekking groups pass through these mountains, the villagers knew where to find us.

The Guardian - Travel

Although very few historians fully embraced this position, some had ambitions in that direction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most U.S. states have enacted laws against bullying, although very few of them include cyberbullying.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nonprofit groups do pay taxes on commercial activities that are not linked to their missions, although very few.

The New York Times

Explicit (process) landscape models are important tools to study this functional role, although very few model are dedicated to patchy landscape dynamics.

Ecological Modelling

Although very few of them will ever feel any sympathy for suicide bombers, their alienation from the forces of law and order creates a hinterland of sorts.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This wonderful city, these beautiful parks, have every thing almost everything but pedestrians," he said, adding that although "very few peo ple walk..

The New York Times

China has called them illegal migrants and dangerous extremists, although very few have headed toward trouble spots in the Middle East.

The New York Times

Although very few additives are permitted in infant foods, this is not "because there are safety concerns, but because of nutritional concerns".

The Guardian

Although very few of the exiles had committed crimes, much less serious ones, fear of this wave of immigrants became widespread.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "although very few", ensure that the contrast being introduced is significant enough to warrant the phrase. Avoid using it for trivial exceptions.

Common error

Avoid using "although very few" in short, simple sentences where a simpler conjunction like "but" or "yet" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or clunky.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "although very few" functions as an adverbial clause introducer, creating a contrast or concession. It sets up a situation where something is true despite the limited number or quantity of something else, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "although very few" is a versatile conjunction phrase used to introduce a contrast or exception. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including News & Media and Scientific publications. When writing, remember that while it can be used at the start of a sentence, it is best to ensure that the contrast is valid enough and avoid using it in simple sentences. Alternatives like "even though a handful" or "while only a few" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even though a handful

Emphasizes the small quantity more directly than the original phrase.

while only a few

A more concise way of introducing a contrast related to a small number.

despite the scarcity

Focuses on the limited availability or presence of something.

notwithstanding the limited number

A more formal way of expressing the idea of a small quantity.

even if only a small minority

Highlights that the statement applies to a small subset of a larger group.

though a small fraction

Uses a fraction to emphasize the small proportion.

in spite of the limited instances

Highlights that this applies to a specific number of occasions or cases.

however limited

Emphasizes the limited quantity with a contrasting conjunction.

scarce though they may be

Inverts the phrase for emphasis on the scarcity.

granted the rarity

Acknowledges the infrequency or uncommonness of something.

FAQs

How can I use "although very few" in a sentence?

Use "although very few" to introduce a contrast where the quantity or number is small. For example, "Although very few students passed the test, they all showed great effort".

What are some alternatives to "although very few"?

You can use alternatives like "even though a handful", "despite the scarcity", or "while only a few" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "although few" or "although very few"?

"Although very few" emphasizes the small number more strongly than "although few". The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Can "although very few" be used at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, "although very few" can be used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a contrasting idea. For instance, "Although very few people attended, the concert was a success".