few in number

USAGE SUMMARY

"few in number" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where there is a low quantity or number of something. For example: "The audience at the concert was quite small, with only a few in number."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tourists were very few in number.

Independent

They will be too few in number.

The Economist

Publicly, these people were few in number.

The Guardian - Opinion

The first Christians were few in number and powerless.

Cornell University

The dance purists are, I suspect, quite few in number.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Peacekeepers are too few in number to make a difference.

The Economist

The country's Roman Catholics are relatively few in number.

The Economist

They are few in number, and terribly sad.

The New Yorker

Though few in number, they are growing more common.

The Economist

Our published audiovisual materials are relatively few in number and include many pop culture titles.

Harvard University

Chimesmasters, said Zlatin, are "a strange bunch," few in number but great in history.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "few in number" to emphasize a limited quantity or presence when comparing it to a larger potential or expected amount.

Common error

Avoid using "few in number" when the actual number is significant, even if it's a small percentage of a larger group. Instead, consider stating the actual number or using terms like "a minority of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "few in number" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that the quantity or amount is small. Ludwig examples show its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

24%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "few in number" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a small quantity or amount. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility across various contexts, including news, academic, and scientific writing. The phrase effectively conveys scarcity or a limited presence. While it's suitable for neutral to formal settings, users should ensure its use aligns with the intended emphasis and context. Related phrases like "small in quantity" or "limited in quantity" offer similar meanings with subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not many

A simple and direct way to express a small quantity.

small in quantity

Focuses on the amount rather than the count.

a handful of

Implies a very small number, easily counted or managed.

limited in quantity

Emphasizes the restriction on the amount available.

in limited amounts

Highlights the restriction on the quantity available.

in short supply

Indicates that something is not readily available or abundant.

scarce in supply

Highlights the rarity or limited availability of something.

thin on the ground

Suggests a sparse distribution or presence.

rarely seen

Focuses on the infrequency of observation or occurrence.

a trickle of

Suggests a very small and slow flow or appearance.

FAQs

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

You can use "few in number" to describe situations where there is a small quantity of something. For instance, "Tourists were "few in number" during the off-season".

What are some alternatives to saying "few in number"?

Alternatives include "small in quantity", "limited in quantity", or "scarce in supply", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "few in numbers" instead of "few in number"?

While both convey a similar meaning, "few in number" is generally preferred and more grammatically sound. "Few in numbers" is less common.

What is the difference between "few" and "few in number"?

"Few" can often be used on its own, but "few in number" adds emphasis to the limited quantity or presence. The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis.