detail a few

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "detail a few" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to provide specific information or examples about a particular topic or subject. Example: "Could you detail a few of the challenges you faced during the project?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"The sound-bite comes out and then you get the detail a few days later.

Independent

In the suit, Oracle described in detail a few cases of suspected theft.

The New York Times - Tech

The 49-year-old not only survived the massive engine blowout, but was happy to talk an interviewer through the drama in detail a few moments later.

The Guardian - Sport

Now, by contrast, activists are framing climate as a moral issue – a shift that David Roberts explored in detail a few weeks ago in a must-read essay.

The Guardian

He describes in detail a few of his 27 marathons and numerous triathlons (trials of running, cycling and swimming), including his first marathon, which he ran alone in Greece, from Athens to Marathon, along a highway strewn with dead dogs; and one of his most recent, in New York.

The Economist

The details of these patterns are unique to each item and thus could be used like a fingerprint, to provide an almost foolproof means of identification.The trouble is that employing a microscope powerful enough to record surface features at the required level of detail (a few microns) would be an expensive and cumbersome business, and not at all practical on a production line.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

However, he discovered she still had the details a few weeks later, and threatened to expose her affair.

Independent

'If I was a writer, and dead," wrote Roland Barthes, "I would like my life to be reduced, thanks to the care of a friendly biographer, to a few details, a few tastes, a few inflections - let's call them biographemes".

The Guardian - Arts

The chart details a few other pieces of information that seem to have some influence on the magnitude of gains or losses for the president's party.

The New York Times

While their model gives many interesting details, a few examples will be briefly mentioned.

Journal of Big Data

The email also details a few caveats about the name-changing process in general.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "detail a few", ensure that you actually provide a reasonable level of detail for the items you are highlighting, as opposed to simply listing them.

Common error

Avoid using "detail a few" and then providing only superficial information. If you introduce the phrase, make sure to actually delve into specifics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "detail a few" functions as a verb phrase introducing specific examples or pieces of information. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's used to set expectations that some level of elaboration will follow. It prepares the audience for a more granular examination.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "detail a few" serves as a useful tool in writing and communication, indicating that specific examples or pieces of information will be provided. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. With a neutral register, it fits various contexts, from News & Media and Science to more informal settings. To enhance clarity, be mindful of the level of detail provided after using the phrase. Alternatives like "elaborate on some" or "specify a number of" offer similar ways to introduce specific examples. Overall, "detail a few" is a versatile phrase for providing clarity and depth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide details on several

Similar, but emphasizes providing comprehensive information about several subjects.

go into detail about some

Emphasizes a deeper dive into specifics regarding multiple items.

elaborate on some

Focus shifts to providing more in-depth information about several items.

offer specifics on a few

Suggests providing particular and concrete examples or information.

specify a number of

Emphasizes being precise about multiple items.

present specifics on several

Emphasis on providing concrete instances regarding a limited range of subjects.

outline some

Suggests giving a summary or general overview of a few points.

expand upon a few

Highlights the act of giving more comprehensive information about a selection of elements.

enumerate a few

Implies listing items in a specific order.

describe some

Focuses on giving a detailed account of several things.

FAQs

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

You can use "detail a few" to introduce specific examples or information. For instance, "Let me detail a few of the key features of the new software."

What are some alternatives to "detail a few"?

Alternatives include "elaborate on some", "specify a number of", or "outline some" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "detail a few" or "detail several"?

While both are correct, "detail a few" implies a smaller number, whereas "detail several" suggests a larger, but still limited, quantity. Choose the phrase that best reflects the actual number of items you're describing.

What's the difference between "detail a few" and "list a few"?

"Detail a few" implies providing more specific information about each item, while "list a few" simply means naming them without necessarily providing in-depth explanations.