not a few

USAGE SUMMARY

"not a few" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large number of something. For example, "Not a few people found the new policy to be difficult to understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not a few women cried.

The New Yorker

Not a few are pure drivel.

The New York Times

Not a few nights before".

The New Yorker

And not a few nightmares.

The Guardian - Tech

Not a few lives, but millions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not a few diners bring digital cameras.

The New York Times - Food

(Not a few of them were 68ers).

The Guardian

The signatories were not "a few academics".

The Guardian

DR. TYSON -- Not a few, but many.

The New York Times - Science

Not a few minutes -- hours and hours!

The New York Times - Magazine

Not a few have come away hopeful, at first.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for formal tone, "not a few" serves as a sophisticated substitute for simpler terms like "some" or "several."

Common error

Avoid using "not a few" in very informal or casual writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted in contexts where simpler language is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not a few" functions as a quantifier, specifically indicating a number greater than just a few, but less than many. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is acceptable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not a few" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a quantity greater than just a few. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. While it is suitable for many contexts, it is most frequently found in news and media, science, and formal business writing. The phrase serves to emphasize a notable quantity, adding a touch of understated emphasis. Remember to use it judiciously in informal settings to avoid sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite a few

Emphasizes the quantity is noticeable and more than just a few.

a number of

A more formal way to indicate a certain quantity.

several

Indicates more than two but not a large number.

some

A general term indicating an unspecified quantity.

a good few

British English alternative, emphasizing a satisfactory quantity.

quite some

Highlights the existence of something in a relevant amount.

a fair number

Indicates the amount is substantial.

not just a couple

Emphasizes that the quantity is more than a minimal amount.

more than a handful

Highlights the quantity is beyond what can be easily managed or counted.

a considerable number

A formal and emphatic way to express a noteworthy amount.

FAQs

What does "not a few" mean?

The phrase "not a few" is an idiom that means "quite a few" or "a considerable number". It indicates there are more than just a few, implying a significant quantity or number.

How can I use "not a few" in a sentence?

Use "not a few" to emphasize that there is a noticeable quantity or number of something. For example, "Not a few people attended the conference" suggests that a significant number of people were present.

What are some alternatives to "not a few"?

Alternatives to "not a few" include "quite a few", "several", "a number of", and "a good few". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "not a few" formal or informal?

"Not a few" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "some" or "a few". It's suitable for academic writing, news articles, and professional communication.