few input

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "few input" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct form would be "few inputs" if referring to multiple pieces of input or "a few inputs" if indicating a small number. Example: "We received a few inputs from the team regarding the project proposal."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

However, occlusions pose a significant challenge, especially if few input images are available.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

We offer an alternative phenomenalogical approach to modelling landscape evolution, one that requires few input parameters.

Geomorphology

It allows predicting as-built macrotexture, based on a few input factors (aggregate application rate, emulsion application rate, aggregate gradation).

Construction and Building Materials

Simulation is performed based on few input data describing the building design, HVAC systems and control strategies.

Solar Energy

As the Kekule demo version does not have a batch mode, it's not tested for Set II and III. Figure 14 illustrates a few input and output examples.

Chemistry Central Journal

The performance of this neuro-fuzzy model with relatively few input variables holds promise for modeling sites where the volume of available data is limited.

Cold Regions Science and Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Our wild edible paradise was the last garden in the series, and was billed as the future; sustainable (requiring few inputs), biodiverse and edible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yields of individual crops were generally lower than today, but since farmers bought few inputs, they made more money out of what they grew.

The Guardian

But those units have few inputs or end-buyers, and many factories have anyway long been stripped by managers of machinery, copper wire or anything of value.

The Economist

Ask your tires to adjust to a few inputs at once, like braking while turning, and they may give up and start sliding.

The New York Times

The package requires only a few inputs by the user.

Environmental Sciences Europe

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to multiple instances, use the plural form "inputs". To denote a small quantity, use "a few inputs".

Common error

Avoid using "input" as a plural noun without the 's'. Always ensure the noun agrees in number with the adjective "few". Use "few inputs" or "a few inputs" instead of "few input".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "few input" functions as an adjective-noun combination. However, it is grammatically incorrect as noted by Ludwig. It attempts to describe a limited quantity of data or information provided to a system or process.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

73%

News & Media

19%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "few input" appears in various contexts, particularly within scientific literature and news articles, it's considered grammatically incorrect in standard written English. Ludwig flags it as such. The correct alternatives are "few inputs" or "a few inputs" when referring to a countable number of inputs. When indicating a general lack of data, phrases like "limited input" or "scarce input" are more appropriate. Always ensure noun-adjective agreement and choose the most precise wording for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited input

Emphasizes a restriction in the amount of data provided.

minimal input

Highlights the very small amount of data required.

scarce input

Indicates the rare availability of data.

insufficient input

Implies that the amount of data available is not enough.

sparse input

Suggests that the data is thinly distributed or not comprehensive.

modest input

Highlights the humble volume of data.

small amount of input

Rephrases the concept using a more descriptive phrase.

restricted data

Focuses on the limited availability of data itself.

limited parameters

Highlights the limited amount of parameters.

reduced contribution

Highlights the reduced amount of contribution.

FAQs

What's the correct way to use "few" with "input"?

The correct phrase is "few inputs" when referring to multiple pieces of data or "a few inputs" when referring to a small number of data points. "Few input" is grammatically incorrect.

Can I use "input" as a plural noun?

Yes, "input" can be used as a plural noun. The plural form is "inputs". For example, "The system requires a "few inputs" to function correctly".

What are some alternatives to "few input"?

Consider using alternatives like "limited input", "minimal input", or "scarce input" depending on the specific context you intend.

Is "few input" ever correct in English?

No, "few input" is not considered correct in standard written English. The correct forms are "few inputs" or "a few inputs". You could also use a non-count noun like "limited information" depending on context.