chosen few

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chosen few" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a small group of people who have been specifically selected or favored for a particular purpose or opportunity. Example: The CEO's executive team was made up of a chosen few, carefully selected for their expertise and experience in the industry.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Do the chosen few receive antivirals?

The Economist

Pillai, S. The chosen few?

Nature

You are one of the chosen few.

The New Yorker

It is not the province of a chosen few.

Harvard Business Review

That takes nerve only available to the chosen few.

The Guardian - Sport

Ms. McDonald, fortunately, was one of the chosen few.

The New York Times - Books

The chosen few will join an elite, and shrinking, group.

The New York Times

"We are not a city for the chosen few".

The New York Times

The most competitive training colleges can behave like a cartel – their selection processes are opaque and favours are bestowed on a chosen few by a chosen few.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now, those chosen few have been invited to participate in the multiple mini-interview.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is the main reason to choose few points to define the reactive power control curves.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chosen few" when you want to emphasize a deliberate selection process and a sense of exclusivity. Ensure the context clearly indicates the criteria for selection.

Common error

Avoid using "chosen few" in everyday conversations or casual writing. Its somewhat formal and elevated tone might sound out of place in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chosen few" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig confirms its role in designating a select group. Examples show its use in various contexts, consistently referring to a small, privileged subset.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chosen few" denotes a select, privileged group, often implying a deliberate selection process. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used across various domains, particularly in News & Media. While its connotation can be positive, suggesting exclusivity and excellence, it can also carry a critical undertone, implying elitism or unfairness. Therefore, its usage should be context-aware. While there are alternatives like "select group" or "elite group", "chosen few" uniquely emphasizes the act of choosing. Ludwig confirms that "chosen few" functions primarily as a noun phrase and its frequency is high. Be mindful of its formal tone and consider whether it aligns with the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

select group

This alternative is less metaphorical and more straightforward in describing a specially chosen group.

elite circle

This option emphasizes exclusivity and high status within the group.

privileged few

This phrase highlights the advantages and benefits enjoyed by the group.

inner circle

This alternative focuses on closeness and intimacy within a group, often implying influence.

favored ones

This highlights the preferential treatment received by the group.

handpicked group

This suggests a careful and deliberate selection process.

cream of the crop

This metaphor emphasizes the superior quality and talent within the group.

blue bloods

This phrase implies aristocratic origin and high social standing.

the elect

This alternative suggests a divine or higher calling.

anointed ones

This alternative indicates a formal appointment or designation for a specific purpose.

FAQs

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

The phrase "chosen few" is used to describe a small, select group of people who have been specially chosen or favored for a particular reason. For example, "Only a "chosen few" were selected for the advanced training program".

What's a less formal way to say "chosen few"?

If you're looking for a less formal alternative to "chosen few", you could use phrases like "select group", "handpicked group", or simply "few select individuals".

Is "chosen few" always a positive term?

While "chosen few" often implies privilege or special status, it can also be used ironically or critically to suggest unfairness or elitism. The connotation depends heavily on the context.

What is the difference between "chosen few" and "elite group"?

While both terms refer to a select group, "chosen few" emphasizes the selection process, whereas "elite group" highlights the group's superior qualities or status. "Chosen few" suggests someone made a specific selection, while "elite group" indicates inherent excellence or exclusivity.