few of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "few of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to only a few of an unspecified group of people or things. For example, "Few of the students felt comfortable speaking in front of the class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Few of these survive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Few of them work.

The New York Times

Few of them are ideological.

The New York Times

A few of her babies.

The New York Times - Travel

Ozil utilises few of them.

Independent

Few of them make headlines.

The New York Times

Few of his writings survive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Few of their comments are optimistic.

The Economist

Few of us are hewers of wood.

The New York Times

Here are a few of the best.

The New York Times

Very few of us have any talent.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "few of", ensure the context clearly defines the larger group you are referring to. For instance, "Few of the applicants met the stringent requirements."

Common error

Be mindful of the subtle difference between "few" and "a few". "Few" implies a negative sense, suggesting scarcity or lack, while "a few" indicates a small but sufficient quantity. Using the wrong one can alter the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "few of" functions as a determiner indicating a small quantity or number of something. It is typically followed by a plural noun or pronoun, as seen in the Ludwig examples like "Few of them work" or "Few of his writings survive".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "few of" is a versatile determiner that indicates a limited quantity or number. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and sees frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news media and encyclopedic writing. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to be mindful of the subtle difference between "few" and "a few" to accurately convey the intended meaning. When using "few of", make sure that the larger group you are referring to is clearly defined. For situations where "few of" doesn't quite fit, alternatives such as "a small number of" or "only a few" can offer similar yet nuanced expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only a few

Adds emphasis to the limited nature of the quantity.

a small number of

Replaces "few" with a more explicit indication of quantity.

a limited number of

More formal way to express a small quantity.

a handful of

Emphasizes the limited quantity using a more descriptive term.

hardly any

Strongly emphasizes the scarcity or near absence.

not many

Uses a negative construction to indicate a small quantity.

a sprinkling of

Suggests a very small and scattered amount.

scarce

Emphasizes the rarity or lack of availability.

a minority of

Highlights that the group represents a smaller portion of a larger whole.

some

A less specific term that can indicate a small number, depending on context.

FAQs

How do I use "few of" in a sentence?

Use "few of" to indicate a small quantity or number of something from a larger group. For example, "Few of the students passed the exam" or "Few of the books were worth reading".

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

"Few of" suggests a small number that is considered insufficient or disappointing, while "a few of" implies a small number that is adequate or acceptable. The choice depends on the intended connotation.

What can I say instead of "few of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a small number of", "not many", or "only a few".

Is it grammatically correct to say "few of them"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Few of them" is a common and accepted way to refer to a small number of individuals from a larger group. For example, "Few of them agreed with the proposal".