few of us

USAGE SUMMARY

"few of us" is correct and usable in written English, and is typically used when you are referring to a small group of people.
Example sentence: "Few of us know what it's like to be famous."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Few of us are hewers of wood.

The New York Times

Very few of us have any talent.

The New York Times - Magazine

"There are so few of us now.

The New York Times

Only a few of us looked up.

The New York Times

Danger is something few of us experience.

Independent

But few of us are dedicated impostors.

The New Yorker

Few of us did.

The Guardian

But few of us are.

The Washington Post

"Very few of us do".

The New York Times - Sports

"Just a few of us".

The New York Times

Few of us are prepared.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "few of us" when you want to convey that only a small proportion of a larger group shares a particular trait, experience, or characteristic. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "few of us" when you actually mean "none of us". "Few" implies that at least some members of the group are included, whereas "none" indicates complete absence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "few of us" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a pronoun, modifying a verb or adjective to express a limited quantity. It indicates that only a small proportion of a group is being referenced. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "few of us" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to denote a small subset of individuals within a larger group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal academic discourse to informal conversations. It’s most frequently encountered in News & Media, followed by Academia and Formal & Business settings. Remember to use "few of us" when you want to emphasize the limited number of individuals sharing a particular characteristic, experience, or trait and to avoid using it when you mean "none of us". Consider alternatives like "only a few of us" or "a small number of us" to fine-tune the nuance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only a few of us

Highlights the exclusivity or limited selection.

just a few of us

Similar to "only a few", emphasizing the limited quantity.

a small number of us

Emphasizes the numerical smallness of the group.

a handful of us

Implies a very small and easily countable group.

not many of us

Focuses on the limited quantity.

only a fraction of us

Highlights that the group represents a small portion of the whole.

some of us, but not many

More explicitly states the limited number within the larger group.

scarcely any of us

Implies a rarity or infrequency.

a minority of us

Suggests being part of a smaller, often less powerful group.

not a great deal of us

More formal way of indicating a small quantity.

FAQs

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

"Few of us" is used to indicate that only a small number of people within a larger group share a certain characteristic or experience. For example, "Few of us have traveled to space" means that only a small number of people in the group have had that experience.

What are some alternatives to "few of us"?

Alternatives to "few of us" include phrases such as "only a few of us", "a small number of us", or "not many of us", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "few of us" formal or informal?

"Few of us" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a relatively neutral phrase that is widely understood and accepted.

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

"Few of us" implies a small number, often with a negative connotation suggesting a scarcity or lack. "A few of us", on the other hand, suggests a small number without the same negative implication, and can even be seen as positive in some contexts.