not very many

USAGE SUMMARY

"not very many" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used any time you want to express there is a small or limited amount of something. For example: "There are not very many people attending the party tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But not very many.

The New Yorker

"There's not very many".

The New York Times - Sports

There are not very many.

The New York Times - Sports

"Not very many," she said.

Independent

Not very many teachers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Probably not very many".

The New York Times

"We are not very many," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

O.K., not very many of you.

The New Yorker

"Not very many out there like him".

The New York Times - Sports

And not very many people noticed.

The New York Times

Not very, many would say.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not very many", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are quantifying to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Not very many attended", specify "Not very many students attended the lecture".

Common error

Avoid using "not very many" in highly informal settings where simpler alternatives like "few" or "not a lot" would sound more natural. Choose the phrasing that best fits the overall tone of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not very many" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically a quantifier, indicating a limited quantity or number of something. As shown by Ludwig, it is often used to modify nouns, specifying that the noun's quantity is small.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

11%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not very many" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a small quantity or number. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate in many contexts, particularly in news and media, though it can sometimes be replaced with more concise alternatives like "few" or "a small number". While generally neutral in register, consider the overall tone of your writing to ensure the phrasing aligns appropriately. Remember to clearly specify what you are quantifying when using "not very many" to avoid ambiguity. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only a few

Adds emphasis on the limited nature of the quantity.

not so many

Slightly different phrasing that still conveys a limited quantity.

few

A shorter, more direct way to express a limited quantity.

relatively few

Emphasizes that the quantity is small compared to what might be expected.

a small number

Replaces "very many" with "small number", emphasizing the limited quantity.

not a lot

More informal alternative, replacing "many" with "a lot".

a limited number

Highlights the restricted or finite nature of the quantity.

a handful

Suggests a quantity small enough to be held in one hand, implying very few.

scarce

Indicates that something is rare or in short supply.

not abundant

Focuses on the lack of plentifulness or excess.

FAQs

How can I use "not very many" in a sentence?

You can use "not very many" to indicate a small quantity or number of something. For example, "Not very many people attended the meeting", or "There are "not very many options" available".

What are some alternatives to "not very many"?

Alternatives include "few", "a small number", "not a lot", and "only a few". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to use "few" or "not very many"?

Both "few" and "not very many" are grammatically correct. "Few" is more concise, while "not very many" provides slightly more emphasis on the limited quantity. Choose based on the desired tone and emphasis.

What's the difference between "not very many" and "not many"?

The phrase "not very many" emphasizes the limited quantity to a greater degree than simply saying "not many". The addition of "very" intensifies the sense of scarcity.