few people

USAGE SUMMARY

"few people" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are discussing a small number of people, as in: "Only a few people in the crowd were wearing face masks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Very few people came.

Independent

Very few people divorced.

The New York Times

But few people do.

The Economist

A few people clapped.

The New Yorker

A few people laughed.

The New Yorker

Few people believe that.

The Economist

Few people are prosecuted.

The Economist

For so few people.

The New Yorker

Few people do, however.

The New York Times

A few people nodded.

The New Yorker

Few people apparently did.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "few people" to indicate a surprisingly small number. This suggests an unexpected scarcity, making your statement more impactful than simply stating "some people".

Common error

Avoid using "few people" when you actually mean "a few people". "Few" implies a scarcity or lack, whereas "a few" indicates a small but present quantity. For example, "Few people attended the meeting" suggests poor attendance, while "A few people attended the meeting" simply states that some people were there.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "few people" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It specifies a limited quantity of individuals. Ludwig AI confirms it's a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "few people" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a small quantity of individuals. Ludwig AI validates its use in English writing. The phrase often carries a subtle implication of scarcity or unexpected smallness. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, "few people" serves to quantify groups while sometimes suggesting a negative connotation. It's crucial to distinguish it from "a few people", which simply indicates a small number without the added implication. When aiming for a more formal tone, alternative phrases like "a small number of individuals" can be considered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hardly anyone

Uses an indefinite pronoun to express the lack of people.

virtually nobody

Emphasizes the near absence of people.

not many persons

A simple substitution using synonyms to convey the same meaning.

a small number of individuals

Emphasizes the limited quantity of individuals, using a more formal tone.

only some individuals

Highlights that just a portion of a larger group is being considered.

a handful of humans

Implies a very small, manageable group of people.

a minority of the population

Indicates a group representing less than half of the total.

limited number of citizens

Focuses on people within a specific civic or national context.

scarce number of folks

Uses informal terms to indicate rarity of people.

several scattered persons

Emphasizes that the small group is dispersed or not concentrated.

FAQs

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

"Few people" is used to indicate that a small number of individuals are involved in a situation. For example, "Few people know about the secret passage" means that only a small number of people are aware of it.

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

"Few people" implies a scarcity or that the number is less than expected, often with a negative connotation. "A few people", on the other hand, simply indicates a small number without the negative implication. Consider using "a small number of individuals" if you need a more formal alternative.

What can I say instead of "few people" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "a small number of individuals" or "a limited number of people".

Is it correct to say "a few people" instead of "few people"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A few people" is neutral, simply indicating a small quantity. "Few people" implies that the number is surprisingly small, often with a sense of disappointment or negativity. Consider the context to choose the most appropriate phrase.