exchanged few words

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exchanged few words" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a brief conversation or interaction between people. For example: "They exchanged few words before parting ways." Alternative expressions include "shared a few words" and "had a brief conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He exchanged few words with the customer, who handed over $15.50 and a $2 tip.

The New York Times

They exchanged few words; just an occasional "no," or "again," or "tone".

The New York Times

But for 40 years, until a surprise reconciliation a month ago, these men with Texas-size egos exchanged few words, even on those rare occasions when they were in the same room.

The New York Times - Health

WASHINGTON — On a seven-hour trip from Kabul to a NATO meeting in Brussels last week, the two men in Kabul most responsible for American policy in Afghanistan exchanged few words, according to administration officials, holing up in separate compartments on their military plane.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The family exchanges few words as it beds down in the street for the night, eating the tacos that Genaro buys from a vendor.

The New York Times

We shook hands and exchanged a few words.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He exchanged a few words with people about his TV days.

The New Yorker

Leo exchanged a few words, then turned to me grinning: "Ha, ha.

Independent

They exchanged a few words and caresses, and Emilio led him back to the room.

The Guardian

He and Colonel Zacchea exchanged a few words of farewell, hugged and then parted ways.

The New York Times

They were overtaken by a group of scientists, who exchanged a few words with his father.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exchanged few words" when you want to emphasize the brevity of a conversation or interaction, implying that not much was communicated.

Common error

Avoid using "exchanged few words" when the conversation was substantial or meaningful. Opt for phrases like "had a discussion" or "engaged in a conversation" to accurately reflect a more in-depth exchange.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exchanged few words" functions as a descriptor of an interaction, indicating that the conversation or communication was minimal and brief. Ludwig examples confirm this usage in describing short encounters or interactions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exchanged few words" effectively communicates a brief interaction with minimal conversation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and sees common use across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure it accurately reflects the brevity of the conversation to avoid misrepresentation. Alternatives such as "had a brief chat" or "spoke briefly" can offer similar meaning with slight variations in tone. Be aware that substituting "words" with "word" is grammatically incorrect. Overall, "exchanged few words" is a versatile phrase for describing concise interactions and is helpful in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had a short conversation

Directly states that the conversation was not long.

had a brief chat

Emphasizes the casual and short nature of the conversation.

said a quick hello

Highlights the greeting nature and brevity of the interaction.

spoke briefly

Focuses on the act of speaking without implying any specific content or detail.

had a fleeting discussion

Emphasizes the short and insubstantial nature of the interaction.

shared a quick word

Highlights the brevity and informality of the exchange.

traded brief comments

Implies a quick back-and-forth exchange of opinions or observations.

passed a few remarks

Suggests a more formal and possibly less personal exchange.

uttered a few words

Focuses on the act of speaking, often implying a lack of substance or emotion.

offered a quick greeting

Highlights the formality and brevity that the interaction had.

FAQs

How can I use "exchanged few words" in a sentence?

You can use "exchanged few words" to describe a brief conversation or interaction. For example, "They "exchanged few words" before parting ways."

What's a more formal alternative to "exchanged few words"?

A more formal alternative could be "had a brief conversation" or "engaged in a short dialogue", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "exchanged a few word" instead of "exchanged few words"?

No, the correct phrase is "exchanged few words". The word "words" should be plural because "few" implies more than one word.

What is the difference between "exchanged few words" and "had a long discussion"?

"Exchanged few words" indicates a very brief interaction, whereas "had a long discussion" suggests a more in-depth and extended conversation.