few persons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "few persons" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of individuals in a specific context. Example: "Only a few persons attended the meeting, which was disappointing for the organizers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us.

Huffington Post

This delusion is a kind of prison, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us.

Huffington Post

"A few persons would gain a little time," he said.

The New York Times

Few persons would wish to go so far.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At times there were crowds and sometimes very few persons at given spots.

The New Yorker

Only a few persons knew of the trouble, as it occurred at midnight.

The New York Times

"I made a big skyscraper with a few persons jumping from the roof," he once wrote.

The New York Times - Books

South Sami is used by a few persons in central Norway and north-central Sweden.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The ministry has instructed local prefects to inform as few persons as possible beforehand.

The New York Times

Few persons traveled the entire route, and goods were handled in a staggered progression by middlemen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Actually, only a few persons can name such animals as their very own.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "few persons" when you want to emphasize the individual nature of the people involved, especially in legal or formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "few persons" in informal or conversational writing. It can sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for more common alternatives like "a few people" or "some individuals" for a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "few persons" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying a small quantity of individuals. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English when referring to a small number of individuals in a specific context. It modifies a noun, indicating a limited number of people involved in a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "few persons" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to indicate a small number of individuals. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While versatile, its formality is more suitable for scientific, news, or encyclopedic content. It's less common in informal contexts where alternatives such as "a few people" are favored. Consider your audience and the desired tone when choosing between "few persons" and its alternatives. Understanding the context is key to using this phrase effectively, keeping in mind its formal register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small number of people

Replaces "persons" with the more common "people" making it sound less formal.

only a few individuals

Adds emphasis to the small quantity.

a handful of individuals

Emphasizes a very small and select group, using a more descriptive term.

a limited number of people

Highlights the restriction on the number of individuals involved.

a select few

Suggests a carefully chosen or exclusive group.

several individuals

Indicates more than a few, but still a relatively small group.

some individuals

A more general phrase denoting an unspecified small quantity.

a minority of individuals

Highlights the group's representation as a smaller portion of a larger population.

a sparse gathering of people

Emphasizes the lack of people present in a specific context.

a scattering of people

Implies that the people are dispersed and not concentrated in one area.

FAQs

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

You can use "few persons" to indicate a small number of individuals, especially in formal or legal contexts. For example, "Few persons were aware of the impending changes".

What is the difference between "few persons" and "a few people"?

"Few persons" is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation than "a few people". The latter is generally preferred in informal contexts.

What are some alternatives to using "few persons"?

Alternatives include "a small number of people", "some individuals", or "a handful of individuals", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "few persons" or should I always use "a few people"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a few people" is more commonly used in contemporary English. "Few persons" is appropriate in more formal or legalistic writing.