few restaurants

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "few restaurants" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of restaurants, often implying that the number is less than expected or desired. Example: "In this small town, there are only a few restaurants to choose from."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He managed a few restaurants.

The New Yorker

There were a few restaurants.

The New Yorker

Few restaurants have proper storage space.

The New York Times

A few restaurants went out of business.

The New York Times

Yet few restaurants understand that simple equation.

The New York Times - Food

The few restaurants offer simple, heavy fare.

The New York Times - Travel

Smaller towns have few restaurants or amenities.

The New York Times - Travel

FEW restaurants in the county will offer one cuisine exclusively.

The New York Times

Few restaurants serve pastas like those at Scalini.

The New York Times

A few restaurants will introduce their brunch menus this weekend.

The New York Times

Few restaurants are so welcoming or comfortable to enter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "few restaurants", consider whether you want to emphasize the small number or the lack of variety. Choose your wording accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "very few restaurants" when "few restaurants" already adequately conveys a small number. Adding "very" can sometimes sound redundant or overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "few restaurants" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and used to refer to a small number of restaurants, suggesting the quantity is less than expected.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "few restaurants" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a limited number of dining establishments. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it serves to inform about the scarcity of restaurants in a location. While generally neutral in tone, the phrase can subtly imply a sense of lacking or insufficiency. When crafting content, be mindful of the specific nuance you want to convey – whether simply noting the small number or emphasizing the need for more dining options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small number of restaurants

Replaces "few" with "a small number of", emphasizing the limited quantity. Slightly more formal.

not many restaurants

Uses a more informal negative construction to convey scarcity.

a limited number of restaurants

Emphasizes the restriction in quantity using "limited".

only a handful of restaurants

Uses the idiomatic expression "handful" to suggest a very small quantity.

a scarce number of restaurants

Highlights the rarity or infrequency using the word "scarce".

a paucity of restaurants

Uses the more formal word "paucity" to indicate a deficiency or lack.

a dearth of restaurants

Employs "dearth" to convey a significant lack or shortage, stronger than "few".

restaurants are not abundant

Uses a negative statement to indicate that restaurants are not plentiful.

restaurants are in short supply

Implies that there is a demand that is not being adequately met.

the restaurant scene is limited

Focuses on the overall restaurant environment being restricted or underdeveloped.

FAQs

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

You can use "few restaurants" to describe a situation where there are not many dining options available. For instance, "The town is charming, but there are "few restaurants" to choose from."

What can I say instead of "few restaurants"?

You can use alternatives like "a small number of restaurants", "not many restaurants", or "only a handful of restaurants" depending on the context.

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

"Few restaurants" implies a scarcity or a lack, while "a few restaurants" suggests that there are some, though not many. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "few restaurants" and "a shortage of restaurants"?

"Few restaurants" is a straightforward description of quantity. "A shortage of restaurants" implies that the number of restaurants is insufficient to meet the needs or demands of the population.