few resources

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'few resources' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a limited amount of something that is needed for a task or purpose. For example, "We have very few resources to work with, so we must be creative in our approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They have few resources or personnel.

The New York Times

"They have few resources to draw on.

The New York Times

Many are widowed and with few resources.

The New York Times

Hospitals are mostly out of commission with few resources.

The Guardian

There are few resources for those who become addicted.

The New York Times

Yet we devote relatively few resources to fighting it.

The Guardian - Money

Few resources are as vital to China as iron ore.

The New York Times

The project had few resources and no defined mission.

The New Yorker

Small species require relatively few resources and very little space.

The New York Times - Science

Haiti is a poverty-stricken half-island with few resources.

The Economist

Unfortunately, at our school few resources are dedicated it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "few resources", consider specifying the type of resources you are referring to for clarity (e.g., "few financial resources", "few human resources").

Common error

Avoid using "little resources" when you mean "few resources". "Few" is used with countable nouns (like resources), while "little" is used with uncountable nouns (like money).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "few resources" functions as a noun phrase or adjectival phrase modifying another noun. It typically describes a situation, organization, or entity that has a limited quantity of necessary assets. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "few resources" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct for formal and informal contexts. It serves to convey a lack of available assets, often highlighting limitations or challenges. It is used across diverse domains, including news, science, and business, indicating its versatility. When using the phrase, be mindful to use "few" with countable nouns, instead of “little”. Alternatives such as "limited resources" or "scarce resources" can provide nuanced emphasis to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited resources

Emphasizes the constraint on the amount available.

scarce resources

Highlights the rarity and potential difficulty in obtaining the resources.

meager resources

Suggests the resources are not only few but also inadequate.

insufficient resources

Directly states that the resources are not enough to meet the requirements.

limited means

Focuses on the financial or material limitations.

restricted resources

Indicates that access to resources is controlled or limited.

sparse resources

Implies the resources are thinly distributed or spread out.

inadequate funding

Specifically refers to a lack of financial support.

constrained budget

Highlights the financial limitations and restrictions.

lack of resources

Directly states the absence or deficiency of resources.

FAQs

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

You can use "few resources" to indicate a scarcity or limitation of available assets. For example, "The project suffered setbacks due to "few resources" and lack of manpower."

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

"Few resources" emphasizes the small quantity, while "limited resources" highlights the restriction or constraint on the available assets. They're often interchangeable but have slightly different connotations.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "few resources"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "scarce resources", "limited means", or "insufficient funds" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a few resources"?

Yes, "a few resources" is grammatically correct. It indicates a small but non-negligible number of resources, whereas ""few resources"" suggests a scarcity or near absence.