few exist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "few exist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that there are only a small number of something present or available. Example: "In this remote area, few exist who can speak the native language fluently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Few exist in the wild.

The New York Times

A few exist only on paper.

The Guardian

But as yet, few exist here.

The New York Times

Very few exist in the region.

The New York Times

And considering how few exist, that's a lot".

The New York Times

While there are nearly 200 potential H and N combinations, only a few exist in nature.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Few existed.

The New York Times

In Rwanda, orphanages also have symbolic meaning as very few existed before the 1994 genocide.

HuffPost

When the economy is good, more job opportunities are available; when it's bad, fewer exist.

Science Magazine

Still, a few options exist.

The New York Times - Arts

Naturally, few photos exist.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "few exist", ensure the subject you are referring to is clearly defined and that the context highlights the scarcity or rarity effectively. For example, specify the location or situation where the scarcity is observed for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "few exist" without providing context or specific examples. Without context, the statement can be vague and lack impact. Instead of saying "good leaders few exist", specify the context: "In today's political climate, good leaders few exist".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "few exist" functions as a statement of scarcity or limited presence. It asserts that the number of a particular entity is small. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound and common across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "few exist" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate scarcity or limited presence. Ludwig AI highlights its applicability across various contexts, from formal academic papers to news articles. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by providing specific context. Consider alternatives like "scarce existence" or "limited number present" for varied expression. While the phrase is versatile, avoid overgeneralization. The phrase is more frequent in News & Media and Scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarce existence

Emphasizes the rarity or infrequency of something's existence.

hardly any are present

Indicates a near absence or very low quantity.

limited number present

Highlights the small quantity or restricted availability.

rarely found

Focuses on the infrequency of encountering something.

not many are around

Uses a more informal and conversational tone to express scarcity.

a paucity is available

Uses a more formal term (paucity) to denote scarcity.

a small amount remains

Focuses on the remaining quantity being limited.

isolated cases

Suggests that the instances are uncommon and separated from each other.

exiguous number

Emphasizes that the number is very small, and often inadequate.

infrequent occurrence

Highlights the rarity of an event or phenomenon.

FAQs

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

Use "few exist" to indicate that there are only a small number of something present or available. For example, "In this remote area, "few exist" who can speak the native language fluently".

What are some alternatives to saying "few exist"?

You can use alternatives like "scarce existence", "limited number present", or "rarely found" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "few exist"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Few" is a plural adjective, and "exist" is the plural form of the verb. Thus, the phrase follows standard English grammar rules.

What's the difference between "few exist" and "a few exist"?

"Few exist" implies a scarcity or near absence, whereas "a few exist" suggests that there are some, though not many. The presence of "a" softens the statement and indicates a positive, though small, quantity.