few different things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "few different things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of various items or topics. Example: "During the meeting, we discussed a few different things, including project deadlines and team responsibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a few different things," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

It does a few different things.

The Guardian

"I have tried a few different things.

The Guardian - Sport

I have a few different things that I would like to do.

The New Yorker

They were the symptoms, but they could have been caused by quite a few different things".

Independent

At this point, he tried his hand at a few different things.

Independent

I thought before of a few different things but I was really curious about making bread.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I think we're in a generation where everybody does a few different things," she said of her hyphenated résumé.

The New York Times

I thought it was funny, but no one else did, so I tried a few different things.

The New Yorker

As is often the case at a reggae concert, a few different things were happening at once.

The New York Times

They said when I was with Quintal, they were going to plan on trying a few different things.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, consider specifying the "few different things" or categorizing them. For example, instead of "We discussed a few different things", try "We discussed a few different project milestones, including the budget approval and the marketing plan".

Common error

Avoid using "few different things" as a placeholder for specific details. Vague language can weaken your writing. Instead, aim to provide concrete examples or specifics to enhance clarity and engagement. For example, replace "The new policy addresses a few different things" with "The new policy addresses employee conduct, dress code, and internet usage".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "few different things" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It references a limited set of varied items or topics. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

23%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "few different things" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions as a noun phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for referring to a limited number of varied items or aspects, particularly in News & Media and Academia contexts. While versatile, avoid overuse in formal writing where greater specificity may be preferable. Consider alternatives like "several distinct items" or "a handful of various matters" depending on the desired nuance. Remember to provide concrete examples whenever possible to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several different issues

Focuses specifically on issues and concerns.

several distinct items

Emphasizes the separateness and individuality of the items.

a handful of various matters

Implies a small quantity of diverse issues or concerns.

a couple of varied aspects

Focuses on a pair of diverse features or elements.

some assorted items

Highlights the mix and variety of the items.

various odds and ends

Suggests a collection of miscellaneous and unrelated items.

a number of disparate elements

Highlights the lack of connection between the elements.

some miscellaneous details

Implies the details are not particularly important or related.

a scattering of diverse points

Suggests the points are not organized or closely related.

a selection of varied options

Focuses on the availability of different choices.

FAQs

How can I use "few different things" in a sentence?

You can use "few different things" to refer to a small number of various items or topics. For example, "During the presentation, we covered a "few different things", including the Q3 results and upcoming marketing campaigns".

What are some alternatives to "few different things"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "several distinct items", "a handful of various matters", or "a couple of varied aspects".

Is it acceptable to start a sentence with "few different things"?

While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "few different things" may sound less formal. Consider rephrasing for a more impactful beginning. For instance, instead of "Few different things contributed to the project's success", try "Several key factors contributed to the project's success".

When is it better to be specific instead of saying "few different things"?

It's better to be specific when the context requires detailed information or when vagueness could lead to misunderstandings. For example, instead of saying "The software update includes a "few different things"", specify "The software update includes bug fixes, performance enhancements, and a new user interface".