have been few

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been few" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a small number or a lack of something. It can also be used to express rarity or scarcity. Example: "There have been few successful attempts to solve this complex mathematical problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

That would have been 2004".

The New Yorker

This should have been 48m.

The Economist

Could there have been 32,000?

The New York Times

We must have been 18.

The New York Times

There have been 13 executions.

The New York Times

He would have been 108.

The New York Times - Arts

It could have been 15.

The New York Times

I must have been 4.

The New York Times

(There have been 28 seasons).

The New York Times

It would have been '97 or '98.

The New York Times

There must have been 150 units.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been few", ensure the context clearly indicates what is limited or scarce. For example, specify "There have been few opportunities for advancement" to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "have been few" when a stronger expression of scarcity is needed. While grammatically correct, it may not adequately convey a severe lack or absence. Consider alternatives such as "have been almost none" or "have been virtually nonexistent" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been few" functions as a quantifier, indicating a limited or small number of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is used to express scarcity or a lack of abundance.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been few" is grammatically correct and serves to indicate a limited quantity or scarcity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a quantifier. While its register is generally neutral, its effectiveness lies in clearly defining what exactly "have been few", such as "opportunities" or "resources". Given the lack of real-world examples, it's crucial to contextualize the phrase effectively to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "have been scarce" or "have been limited" to fine-tune the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been scarce

Replaces "few" with "scarce", emphasizing rarity or limited availability.

have been limited

Substitutes "few" with "limited", focusing on the restricted quantity or extent.

have been minimal

Replaces "few" with "minimal", indicating the least possible amount or degree.

have been a trickle

Uses a metaphor to illustrate a very small number or slow rate of occurrence.

have been rare

Emphasizes the exceptional nature of the occurrence.

have been sparse

Replaces "few" with "sparse", suggesting a thinly distributed or scattered presence.

have been hardly any

Uses a more emphatic way to express a small quantity.

have been uncommon

Focuses on the infrequency of the occurrence.

have been negligible

Highlights the insignificance of the quantity.

have been a shortage

Shifts focus to the lack or deficiency of something.

FAQs

How can I use "have been few" in a sentence?

Use "have been few" to indicate a small number or limited quantity of something. For example: "There "have been few opportunities" for international travel this year".

What's a good alternative to "have been few"?

Alternatives include "have been scarce", "have been limited", or "have been minimal" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "there have been few" or "there has been few"?

"There have been few" is correct because "few" is plural and requires the plural form of the verb "to be".

What is the difference between "have been few" and "have been a few"?

"Have been few" indicates a small number, whereas "have been a few" suggests that there are some, but not many. The latter implies a slightly larger quantity than the former.