few cases

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "few cases" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small number of instances or examples of something, often in a context where you are discussing occurrences or situations. Example: "In few cases, the treatment has shown significant improvement in patients' conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tells about a few cases.

The New Yorker

It's just a few cases".

The New Yorker

A few cases?

The New York Times

Few cases will be this simple.

The New York Times

But few cases were that simple.

The Economist

It might in a few cases.

The New Yorker

Few cases less warrant stare decisis effect.

Cornell University

Few cases are illustrated and discussed.

Energy

In a few cases they do not.

The Guardian - Opinion

Few cases will have happy endings.

The New York Times

I personally can remember only a very few cases.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternatives like "small number of instances" if a more formal tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "few cases" without providing context or comparison. Saying "Few cases show improvement" is vague; specify the context (e.g., "Few cases in the initial trial group showed improvement compared to the control group").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "few cases" functions as a quantifier plus noun, indicating a limited number of occurrences or instances. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically sound. Examples from various sources demonstrate its usage across different contexts, referring to specific situations or events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "few cases" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to denote a small number of instances across various contexts. According to Ludwig, its acceptability and wide range of examples confirm its validity in both formal and informal settings. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific publications, it serves to qualify statements and prevent overgeneralization. To enhance clarity, always specify the reference of "few cases" to avoid ambiguity. For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "a small number of instances". By providing practical guidance, you ensure effective communication and avoid potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only a few situations

Directly emphasizes the scarcity of the cases.

a small number of instances

Emphasizes the limited quantity of occurrences, replacing 'cases' with 'instances'.

limited examples

Focuses on the restricted number of examples rather than general cases.

a handful of situations

Uses a more informal tone while still indicating a limited quantity of occurrences.

a minority of instances

Highlights that the cases are not representative of the majority.

a restricted set of circumstances

Highlights the limited and specific nature of the conditions.

isolated incidents

Implies that the cases are unusual and not part of a pattern.

several isolated incidents

Uses a mix of quantity and isolated occurrences.

an infrequent number of events

Stresses the rarity of the events occurring.

a scattering of occurrences

Suggests that the cases are sparsely distributed.

FAQs

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

You can use "few cases" to indicate a small number of instances or examples, like in the sentence, "In "few cases", the treatment has shown significant improvement."

What's a more formal alternative to "few cases"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "a "small number of instances"" or "a "limited number of examples"."

Is "few cases" always appropriate, or are there situations where it should be avoided?

"Few cases" is generally appropriate, but avoid it when the exact number is crucial or when the lack of detail could mislead the reader. In such situations, quantify exactly how many cases there were.

What's the difference between "few cases" and "rare cases"?

"Few cases" simply indicates a small number, while "rare cases" suggests that the occurrences are uncommon or unusual. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize quantity or infrequency.