clearing a few

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clearing a few" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of removing or resolving a small number of items, issues, or obstacles. Example: "Before we proceed with the project, let's focus on clearing a few minor issues that have been raised."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

We made camp in a grassy clearing a few hours short of the second high pass.

The New York Times - Travel

"It's not just a question of clearing a few Jeep Cherokees off the lot," he said.

The New York Times

In Kazuramimba Godfrey bought a bag of sweet potatoes, clearing a few square inches of floor space with his bare foot.

The Guardian - Travel

Yesterday, Ashton Eaton, the leader — and eventual winner — in the men's decathlon stopped vaulting after clearing a few easy heights: going for the world record wasn't worth the risk of an injury that could cost him the gold.

The New Yorker

I'd like to think that in the scrum of Clearing a few Luigis do make it through.

The Guardian

So EnCana's $1.7 billion oil sands operation in Foster Creek is entirely based on a tidy pair of bore holes found in a small forest clearing, a few crisscrossing pipes and three elevated metal sheds humming with pressure-monitoring equipment.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

They cleared a few this afternoon.

The New Yorker

I cleared a few shelves in the cupboard.

The Guardian - Books

Now, let's clear a few things up.

The Guardian

Mr Cambanda clears a few square paces each day and may find one or two mines.

The Economist

Margaret Atwood would like to clear a few things up from the start.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "clearing a few", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being removed or resolved. For instance, "clearing a few doubts" or "clearing a few obstacles" provides better clarity.

Common error

While "clearing a few" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more precise verbs like "resolving" or "addressing" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clearing a few" functions as a verb phrase, often acting as part of a larger clause. It typically indicates the action of resolving, removing, or clarifying a limited number of items or issues. Ludwig AI confirms the acceptability of this phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clearing a few" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, primarily functioning to indicate the resolution, removal, or clarification of a small number of items or issues. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and the provided examples demonstrate its usage across various contexts, most commonly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it is advisable to use more precise verbs in formal writing. Remember to provide clear context to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resolving some

Focuses on the act of solving or dealing with issues, rather than just removing them.

addressing several

Highlights the act of paying attention to and dealing with multiple items or concerns.

taking care of some

Emphasizes the action of handling or managing a certain number of tasks or problems.

eliminating a handful

Implies the removal of a small quantity of something, often undesirable.

getting rid of a couple

Focuses on discarding or removing a small number of items.

settling a few

Indicates resolving or finalizing a small number of outstanding matters.

sorting out a few

Suggests organizing or clarifying a small number of items or issues.

rectifying some

Highlights the act of correcting or fixing errors in a few instances.

ironing out several

Implies smoothing out difficulties or discrepancies in a number of cases.

tidying up a few

Focuses on organizing or cleaning a small number of items or areas.

FAQs

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

You can use "clearing a few" to describe removing or resolving a small number of items, issues, or obstacles. For example, "Let's focus on "clearing a few minor issues" before we proceed."

What are some alternatives to "clearing a few"?

Alternatives include "resolving some", "addressing several", or "taking care of some", depending on the specific context.

Is "clearing a few things up" the same as "clarifying a few things"?

While similar, "clearing a few things up" often implies removing confusion or misunderstandings, while "clarifying a few things" focuses on making something easier to understand.

In what context should I use "clearing a few"?

Use "clearing a few" when you want to convey the idea of resolving a small number of issues or removing a limited number of obstacles. It's suitable for both informal and neutral contexts.