excluding a handful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excluding a handful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that most items or people are included, but a small number are not. Example: "The survey received positive feedback from all participants, excluding a handful who had concerns about the timing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

After excluding a handful of potential double counts where an NGO and a law firm may have been working with the same detainee, we were left with 188 unique responses.

The Guardian

"By opening up access to all clinically superior medications, and excluding a handful of 'me-too' products that have no clinical benefit beyond what's provided by more affordable alternatives, we have leverage to negotiate more effectively with manufacturers and ultimately achieve lower drug prices for the clients and patients we serve," Express Scripts spokesman David Whitrap wrote in an email.

The Washington Post

"Excluding a handful of injuries, this is the strongest squad I could have selected," said Street.

BBC

Excluding a handful of minor 18th-century satirical and allegorical references, there was no suggestion in this period that anyone else might have written the works.

Wikipedia

The 2010 graduating class departed campus owing $659 million, according to Department of Education data, the highest sum of any class in the country (excluding a handful of for-profit colleges).

Huffington Post

However, excluding a handful of rapidly industrializing middle-income countries, most of the world's developing countries negatively affected by the financial crisis lack the fiscal capacity to expand their social protection programs [ 112].

Globalization and Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

(I exclude a handful of cases where OnTheIssues has not rated the candidate on enough issues to provide for a reliable estimate).

The New York Times

Its songs are a focus of tonight's set, which overruns the curfew and excludes a handful of the band's most anthemic oldies (No What a Waster, for one).

The Guardian - Music

Having excluded a handful of common mutations, the molecular diagnostic approach is guided by the muscle histochemistry or biochemistry in an affected tissue.

Genetics in Medicine

The government has so far excluded only a handful of companies from the fund on ethical grounds.

The Guardian - Opinion

I, for one, am appalled at a few of the things that have been excluded, while a handful of other details make me want to cash in some bonds to afford this new wonder phone.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "excluding a handful", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes the 'handful'. Be specific if the number is crucial or the category of exclusion needs emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "excluding a handful" when the number of exclusions significantly impacts the overall meaning. If the number is more than just a few, a more precise term like 'excluding a significant portion' is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excluding a handful" functions as a qualifier or modifier, specifying that a statement applies to nearly all members of a group, except for a small, unspecified number. As Ludwig AI explains, it is generally considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "excluding a handful" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a general inclusion with a small number of exceptions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct phrase that is usable in written English. While it is most frequent in news and media contexts, it also appears in scientific and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about what the 'handful' refers to and whether a more precise number would be more appropriate. The provided alternatives, such as "with a few exceptions" or "apart from a small number", offer similar meanings and can be used depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a few exceptions

This alternative uses a broader term, 'exceptions', but maintains the core idea of a limited number of exclusions.

apart from a small number

This phrase uses 'apart from' to indicate exclusion, focusing on the 'small number' being set aside.

save for a few

This option employs 'save for' to denote the exception, emphasizing the limited quantity with 'a few'.

barring a minority

This choice uses 'barring' as the excluding term, highlighting the small size of the 'minority' being excluded.

except for a small portion

This version uses 'except for' to indicate exclusion, focusing on the 'small portion' that is not included.

omitting a select few

This alternative emphasizes the act of 'omitting' and specifies that the excluded items are a 'select few'.

with the exception of some

This option uses 'with the exception of' to denote the exclusion, using 'some' to imply a limited number.

leaving out a scant few

This phrase emphasizes the act of 'leaving out' and uses 'scant few' to highlight the minimal quantity excluded.

excluding a small segment

This variation uses 'segment' to refer to the group being excluded, specifying that it is a 'small' one.

aside from a limited number

This alternative uses 'aside from' to indicate the exclusion, highlighting the 'limited number' of items or individuals not included.

FAQs

How can I use "excluding a handful" in a sentence?

You can use "excluding a handful" to indicate that almost all items in a group are included, with only a small number being left out. For example, "All students passed the exam, "excluding a handful" who were absent".

What are some alternatives to "excluding a handful"?

Alternatives include phrases like "with a few exceptions", "apart from a small number", or "save for a few".

Is it better to use a specific number instead of "excluding a handful"?

It depends on the context. If the exact number is important or known, using a specific number (e.g., "excluding three students") provides more precision. "Excluding a handful" is suitable when the exact number is less important or unknown.

What is the difference between "excluding a handful" and "excluding many"?

"Excluding a handful" implies a small number of exclusions, whereas "excluding many" suggests a significant portion is being excluded. The choice depends on the actual proportion being left out.