few opportunities

USAGE SUMMARY

'few opportunities' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which there are not many options or chances. For example, "With the limited resources available, there were few opportunities for us to succeed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We conceded few opportunities.

The New York Times - Sports

"There are few opportunities like that".

The New York Times - Tech

"I have a few opportunities," he said.

The New York Times

There are few opportunities for corruption.

The New York Times

There are few opportunities for the young.

The New York Times

But a few opportunities beckon.

The New York Times

A few opportunities fizzled for the Islanders.

The New York Times - Sports

With so few opportunities, lenders are facing multiple pressures.

The New York Times

Many refugees arrive with few opportunities and little support.

The New York Times

And he still might have a few opportunities after that.

The New York Times

There were few opportunities for education in postwar West Germany.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "few opportunities" to highlight scarcity or limited availability. For stronger impact, combine it with specific reasons for the limitation.

Common error

Avoid using "few opportunities" when there are actually many. Overstating the limitation can weaken your argument. Ensure your claim aligns with the evidence you provide.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "few opportunities" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It indicates a limited number of chances or possibilities available in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "few opportunities" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a scarcity of chances or possibilities. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and usable. Analysis of a large dataset of real-world examples reveals its common usage across various fields, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, consider the specific reasons for the limited opportunities and avoid exaggeration. Alternatives such as "limited prospects" or "scarce possibilities" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited prospects

Focuses on the limited outlook or potential for advancement or success.

scarce possibilities

Emphasizes the rarity and limited availability of potential options.

rare chances

Highlights the infrequency and uncommon nature of available opportunities.

restricted avenues

Suggests that the paths or methods for achieving something are limited.

limited scope

Indicates a narrow range or extent of available possibilities.

narrow margins

Implies that there is very little room for error or variation.

infrequent occasions

Stresses the lack of regular or repeated instances.

tight constraints

Highlights the strict limitations and restrictions imposed on available options.

meager scope

Underscores the insufficiency and inadequacy of the opportunities available.

reduced alternatives

Points out the diminished number of options or choices.

FAQs

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

You can use "few opportunities" to describe a situation where there are not many chances or possibilities available. For example, "Due to the economic downturn, there were "few opportunities" for new graduates."

What are some alternatives to "few opportunities"?

Alternatives to "few opportunities" include "limited prospects", "scarce possibilities", or "rare chances". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "few opportunities" or "a few opportunities"?

"Few opportunities" implies a scarcity or lack of options, while "a few opportunities" suggests that some options are available, though not many. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the lack or the presence of some possibilities.

What's the difference between "few opportunities" and "limited opportunities"?

"Few opportunities" emphasizes the small number of chances, while "limited opportunities" focuses on the restricted nature or scope of those chances. They are largely interchangeable, but "limited opportunities" might be preferred when the opportunities exist but are constrained in some way.