few tasks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "few tasks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of tasks or assignments that need to be completed. Example: "I have a few tasks to finish before the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Try setting a few tasks.

The Guardian

Even here, few tasks are more daunting.

The New York Times

We only ask because he looks so stressed out – couldn't he have delegated a few tasks?

The Guardian - Film

I know of few tasks more frustrating, especially as an adult.

The New York Times - Travel

At least a few tasks for the post-mayor era are already defined.

The New York Times

It would be one of the few tasks that has gone unfinished in Douglas Forrester's life.

The New York Times

FEW tasks are more central to central banking than providing liquidity to banks efficiently and equitably.

The Economist

FEW tasks are more exasperating than trying to assemble flat-pack furniture from IKEA.

The Economist

"Few tasks are more exasperating than trying to assemble flat-pack furniture from IKEA," The Economist wrote in 2006.

The New Yorker

In the complex business of procuring organs to supply a growing demand, few tasks are as delicate as Mr. LeMay's.

The New York Times - Health

Kennedy & Johnson, few tasks were more frustrating than the effort to answer the great questions of foreign policy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When prioritizing work, identify the "few tasks" that yield the most significant results and focus on completing those first.

Common error

Don't underestimate the importance of seemingly "few tasks". They might be critical stepping stones or foundational elements for larger projects. Give them appropriate attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "few tasks" primarily functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating a limited quantity of work items. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct. The examples provided by Ludwig show it modifying nouns in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "few tasks" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a small number of assignments or duties. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse sources. Its versatility makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, particularly in contexts related to news, science, and general discussions. When using "few tasks", remember to prioritize their significance and not underestimate their potential impact, as they could be critical components of larger projects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Limited number of duties

Emphasizes the restriction on the amount of work to be done.

Small set of responsibilities

Highlights the limited scope of the obligations.

Minimal number of assignments

Focuses on reducing the quantity of assigned work.

Select few duties

Implies that the tasks were carefully chosen or are exclusive.

Handful of tasks

Uses a more informal term to suggest a manageable quantity.

Restricted assignments

Highlights the limitation or control over the tasks given.

Limited workload

Refers to the total amount of work, rather than individual tasks.

Nominal duties

Suggests the tasks are minor or insignificant.

Sparse set of duties

Highlights the scarcity or infrequency of tasks.

Reduced workload

Focuses on decreasing the overall amount of effort required.

FAQs

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

You can use "few tasks" to indicate a small number of assignments or duties that need to be completed. For example, "I only have a "few tasks" left to finish today".

What phrases are similar to "few tasks"?

Alternatives to "few tasks" include "limited number of duties", "small set of responsibilities", or "minimal number of assignments", depending on the context.

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

Both "few tasks" and "a few tasks" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Few tasks" emphasizes the small quantity, while "a few tasks" implies there are some tasks, but not many.

Can "few tasks" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "few tasks" is suitable for formal writing. However, for even more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "limited number of assignments" or "select few duties".