few openings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "few openings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a limited number of available positions, opportunities, or gaps in a particular context. Example: "We currently have few openings for the marketing position, so please apply soon if you're interested."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Could not wait to share a few openings.

Princeton University

"Before, there would be few openings and little competition.

The New York Times

Arsenal struggled to profit from their numerical advantage and Fulham restricted them to few openings.

The Guardian - Sport

Thereafter, apart from the two second-half goals, there were precious few openings.

The Guardian - Sport

With few openings to be had, the players resorted to elbows and stray kicks.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Levitt said memberships were limited and very few openings came along.

The New York Times

Wages have also sagged because too many applicants are chasing too few openings.

The Washington Post

But few openings have been built so far, and no money was allocated for them in Israel's 2003 budget.

The Economist

It may be full, capped at 90 students, but some may drop down to CS2110, leaving a few openings.

Cornell University

On an average night, the restaurant serves 250, and the few openings not claimed through the partners go to civilians.

The New York Times

Rubin was outclassed in the second set, netting balls and failing to take advantage of what few openings she had.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing job markets or opportunities, use "few openings" to clearly convey scarcity or high competition.

Common error

Avoid using "few openings" when there are actually a moderate or significant number of opportunities available; it can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "few openings" functions as a descriptor, typically modifying a noun to indicate a limited quantity of available positions or opportunities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "few openings" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a limited number of available opportunities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a descriptor, conveying scarcity across various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and science. While versatile, it's important to use it accurately to avoid misrepresenting the actual degree of scarcity. Alternative phrases like "limited opportunities" or "scarce vacancies" can provide nuanced variations. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited opportunities

Focuses on the scarcity of chances available.

scarce vacancies

Emphasizes the lack of available positions.

rare availability

Highlights the infrequency of something being accessible.

limited number of positions

States directly the restricted quantity of jobs.

restricted access

Indicates that entry or participation is controlled and not readily available.

not many opportunities

A simpler way of expressing the lack of chances.

limited placements

Refers specifically to a small number of available slots or assignments.

tight market

Describes a competitive situation where opportunities are hard to come by.

infrequent possibilities

Stresses how uncommonly something can happen or be accessed.

hard to come by

Highlights the difficulty in finding or obtaining something.

FAQs

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

You can use "few openings" to describe a situation where there are limited opportunities, such as "There are "few openings" in the tech industry right now".

What's a good alternative to "few openings"?

Alternatives include "limited opportunities", "scarce vacancies", or "rare availability", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "few openings" in formal writing?

Yes, "few openings" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, as it's a straightforward and commonly understood phrase.

What does "few openings" imply about competition?

"Few openings" suggests high competition, meaning many people are vying for a limited number of opportunities.