few facilities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "few facilities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a limited number of available amenities or services in a particular context, such as a hotel, school, or community center. Example: "The remote village had few facilities, making it difficult for residents to access basic services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Few facilities in New York are better equipped.

The New Yorker

Indonesia has few facilities that produce artificial limbs.

The New York Times

We also have very few facilities to support our students' learning.

The Guardian

Even if more Italians have become interested in the sport, there are few facilities.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a spartan site with few facilities, but the teachers are dedicated.

The Guardian

In Tbilisi, refugees from Georgian villages in South Ossetia crammed into makeshift centres with few facilities.

Independent

There are few facilities for the millions of cricket-mad poor.

The Economist

Take time to check out a few facilities before deciding which one to use.

The Washington Post

Kenya has recently established an independent anti-doping agency but it has few facilities to test athletes.

The Guardian - Sport

They attended a local school with few facilities and an often absent teacher, playing in the fields and dried riverbeds.

The Guardian

Children play in cadet and junior programs, but with so few facilities, the opportunity for improvement is limited.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "few facilities", ensure the context clearly indicates what kind of facilities are being discussed. For example, specify "few medical facilities" or "few recreational facilities" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "few facilities" when you mean "no facilities". "Few" implies that some facilities exist, but they are limited. Use "no facilities" when there are absolutely none.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "few facilities" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence to describe a limited availability of resources or amenities. Ludwig's examples show it's commonly used to highlight deficiencies in services or infrastructure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "few facilities" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a limited number of available resources or amenities. As Ludwig confirms, it's frequently used in news, science, and business contexts to highlight deficiencies. When employing this phrase, ensure the context makes clear the type of facilities being discussed to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "limited resources" or "inadequate infrastructure" can offer nuanced emphasis. Understanding the implications of "few" is critical; it indicates scarcity, not complete absence. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "few facilities" to convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited resources

Focuses on the scarcity of resources in general, rather than specifically facilities.

insufficient resources

Similar to "limited resources", but conveys a stronger sense of inadequacy.

scarce amenities

Highlights the lack of comfortable or useful features.

limited infrastructure

Focuses only on the infrastructure part.

inadequate infrastructure

Emphasizes deficiencies in basic physical and organizational structures.

limited provisions

Stresses the restricted availability of essential supplies or services.

minimal resources

Emphasizes that the resources are the minimum possible.

meager resources

Indicates a very small or insufficient amount of resources.

restricted access

Highlights that access to facilities is limited.

poor amenities

Highlights a negative quality of the amenities instead of the limited number.

FAQs

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

You can use "few facilities" to describe a location or situation where there are limited resources or amenities available. For example: "The remote village had "few facilities" for healthcare".

What are some synonyms for "few facilities"?

Alternatives to "few facilities" include "limited resources", "scarce amenities", or "inadequate infrastructure", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "few facilities" or "a few facilities"?

Using "few facilities" emphasizes the scarcity or lack of resources. "A few facilities" suggests that some facilities are available, but the number is still relatively small. The choice depends on the intended emphasis.

What's the difference between "few facilities" and "poor facilities"?

"Few facilities" refers to the quantity or number of resources available, while "poor facilities" refers to the quality or condition of the existing resources. A place can have "few facilities" that are well-maintained, or many "poor facilities" in disrepair.