exceedingly few

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceedingly few" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means a very small number or amount. You can use it when you want to emphasize the scarcity or rarity of something. Example: "Despite the company's efforts, there were still exceedingly few women in leadership positions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Douglas Durst, a man of exceedingly few words, concedes that the outcome was "ironic".

The New York Times - Magazine

And at exceedingly few places other than Athens does inscriptional evidence for amendments from the floor exist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Exceedingly few able artists in any generation will brave the loneliness and the scant rewards of such commitment.

The New Yorker

Turning the clock back to an earlier era when hospitals would again be an asylum except for exceedingly few people is both unrealistic and retrogressive.

The New York Times

But Mr. Buckmaster added that "exceedingly few" crimes had come about due to Craigslist transactions, despite the fact that 50 million Americans use the service each month.

The New York Times

Although Albanian has a host of borrowings from its neighbours, it shows exceedingly few evidences of contact with ancient Greek; one such is the Gheg mokën (Tosk mokër) "millstone," from the Greek mēkhanē´.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

All Little teams are constructed around a good passer and a defense composed of a few exceedingly wiry linemen.

The New Yorker

After other people I'd loved had died, I had often felt them near me, sometimes heard their voices, and even, on a few exceedingly strange occasions, been jolted into the uncanny conviction that I had encountered them again in some altered but unmistakable form.

The New Yorker

Whilst the encasement may be substantial and result in luminal narrowing, the reported rate of cerebrovascular insufficiency is exceedingly rare with few cases documented [10, 11].

Insights into Imaging

Minimal editing, such as minor repositioning of nodes and removal of few exceedingly generic gene-sets (e.g. Protein Complex Assembly, Biopolymer Catabolism), was done to optimize the map layout.

Plosone

Vascular infections and meningitis due to E. coli are exceedingly rare and few cases isolated have been reported [ 14- 16].

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exceedingly few" to emphasize the scarcity or rarity of something, making sure the context warrants such emphasis. This phrase is suitable when a simple 'few' doesn't adequately convey the limited nature of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "exceedingly few" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "very few" or "hardly any" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceedingly few" functions as a quantifier, specifically modifying a noun to indicate a very small number or amount. As Ludwig AI explains, it emphasizes scarcity. The word "exceedingly" amplifies the effect of "few", making it stronger than a simple "few".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

6%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exceedingly few" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize a very small quantity. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it's suitable for formal and neutral contexts, highlighting scarcity or rarity. While common in news, science, and encyclopedic writing, alternatives like "very few" or "almost none" may be preferable in informal settings. Common errors include overuse in casual conversations. Ultimately, choosing "exceedingly few" depends on the desired level of emphasis and the formality of the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost none

Suggests the quantity is so small it's practically non-existent.

hardly any

A simpler and more direct way of expressing a very small quantity.

very limited

Emphasizes the restriction or constraint on the quantity available.

extremely scarce

Focuses on the rarity and difficulty in finding or obtaining something.

a tiny number

Highlights the smallness of the quantity using a more descriptive adjective.

vanishingly small

Implies the quantity is decreasing and close to disappearing completely.

a mere handful

Uses a more figurative expression to emphasize the limited quantity.

pathetically few

Emphasizes the inadequacy of the small number.

a sprinkling of

Indicates a sparse and scattered distribution, implying a small amount.

uncommon

Focuses on the rareness of occurrence, rather than the specific quantity.

FAQs

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

You can use "exceedingly few" to emphasize a small quantity or number. For instance, "There were "exceedingly few" opportunities for advancement in the company" highlights the lack of opportunities.

What are some alternatives to "exceedingly few"?

Alternatives include phrases like "very limited", "almost none", or "hardly any", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "exceedingly few" a formal or informal expression?

"Exceedingly few" leans towards a more formal register. In informal contexts, using alternatives like "not many" or "very few" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "exceedingly few" and "very few"?

"Exceedingly few" places greater emphasis on the scarcity than "very few". While both indicate a small quantity, "exceedingly" intensifies the sense of rarity or limitation.