are a few

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are a few" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a small number of items or instances in a statement. Example: "There are a few options available for you to choose from."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here are a few.

The New York Times

There are a few successes.

The Economist

There are a few shortcomings.

The New York Times - Tech

Those are a few examples.

The New York Times - Sports

Below are a few standouts.

The New York Times - Travel

There are a few downsides.

The New York Times

Here are a few tips.

The New York Times - Travel

Here are a few favorites.

The New Yorker

(There are a few caveats.

The New York Times - Tech

There are a few givens.

The New York Times

Here are a few excerpts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are a few", ensure the context implies a small, non-specific number. If a precise number is known, use that instead for clarity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying heavily on "are a few" in formal documents can make your writing sound less precise. Vary your language by using more specific quantifiers when possible, such as "several", "a small number", or even concrete numbers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are a few" functions as a quantifier, indicating a small, indefinite number of items or instances. It typically introduces examples, exceptions, or limitations as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are a few" is a grammatically sound and frequently used quantifier that indicates a small number of something. According to Ludwig, the phrase is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news media and general informational content. While versatile, it's important to consider the level of formality and choose alternatives like "several" or "a small number of" for more precise or formal writing. Be mindful to always use the plural form "are" and to maintain clarity by providing specific quantities whenever possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small number of

Directly states the quantity is small.

there are several

Indicates a slightly larger quantity than "a few".

there are a number of

More formal and emphasizes that the items are countable.

there exist some

More formal and emphasizes the existence rather than the quantity.

a limited quantity of

Emphasizes the restricted amount available.

there exist a handful of

Emphasizes the smallness of the quantity.

some instances of

Focuses on the presence of examples or occurrences.

a couple of

More informal and typically refers to exactly two, but can sometimes mean a small number.

a scattering of

Implies a sparse or distributed presence.

certain examples include

Introduces specific illustrations or cases.

FAQs

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

You can use "are a few" to indicate a small, indefinite number of items or instances. For example, "There "are a few" options available" suggests there's more than one, but not many, choices.

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

Alternatives to "are a few" include phrases like "there are several", "a small number of", or simply "some", depending on the level of formality and the context.

Is it correct to say "is a few" instead of "are a few"?

No, "is a few" is grammatically incorrect when referring to multiple items. The plural form "are" should be used with "a few" because it implies more than one.

What is the difference between "are a few" and "are some"?

While both "are a few" and "are some" indicate a non-specific quantity, ""are a few"" generally implies a smaller quantity than "are some". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.