for those few

USAGE SUMMARY

"for those few" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example: While the majority of people have accepted the new rules, for those few who haven't, there is still time to change their minds.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And for those few hours, he did.

The New York Times

He had it for those few seconds.

The Guardian - Sport

For those few, hockey fever is heating up.

The New York Times - Sports

But for those few days, he was an Aussie hero.

The Guardian

We lived for that trip, for those few hours.

The New York Times

And for those few brief moments, I loved flying.

The New York Times

And I felt like for those few hours there — I was my own boss".

The New Yorker

For those few, having a sense of control can ease fear and anxiety.

The New York Times

For those few a couple years of detention and programs are not enough.

The New York Times

For those few hours, the world was just the city and me and my memories.

The Guardian

These are illegal - except for those few picked and edited by the authorities.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for those few" to specifically address a smaller subset within a larger group, ensuring your message is targeted and relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "for those few" when addressing a wide audience or making a general statement. This phrase is best reserved for instances where you are specifically calling out a smaller, distinct group.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for those few" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a qualification or specification, often indicating a subset of a larger group. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, and examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for those few" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to single out a small subset from a larger group, as validated by Ludwig. It functions to introduce a qualification or specification, directing attention to a particular segment of individuals or items. The phrase is commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, indicating a neutral register. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is best used to address a distinct group rather than making broad generalizations. Consider alternatives like ""for the select few"" or ""for a handful of individuals"" for nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the select few

Replaces "those" with "the select", emphasizing exclusivity and choice.

for the exceptional few

Highlights the unique or special nature of the small group.

for the minority

Substitutes "those few" with a direct reference to a smaller group of people.

for a handful of individuals

Uses a more descriptive and slightly more formal way to indicate a small number of people.

for the isolated instances

Highlights the singularity of the instances considered

for a small number

Replaces the personal pronoun with a direct statement of quantity.

for those rare cases

Similar to the previous, emphasizing the infrequency of the situation.

for the limited number

Focuses on the restricted availability or quantity.

for a scattering of

Uses a more poetic way to convey the idea of a small, dispersed group.

for the rare instances

Shifts focus to infrequent occurrences rather than people.

FAQs

How can I use "for those few" in a sentence?

Use "for those few" to specify a subset of a larger group you are addressing. For example, "While most users find the new interface intuitive, "for those few" experiencing difficulties, a detailed tutorial is available."

What phrases are similar to "for those few"?

Alternatives include "for the select few", "for the minority", or "for a handful of individuals", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "for those few" in formal writing?

Yes, "for those few" is appropriate in formal writing. It's a clear and concise way to address a specific subgroup of people. However, consider "for the select few" for slightly more formal contexts.

Can "for those few" be used to refer to things or only to people?

While often used to refer to people, "for those few" can also refer to things or instances. For example, "Among all the proposed solutions, "for those few" that are economically viable, this one stands out."