of a few

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of a few" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to indicate a small number or amount of something. Example: "She received the support of a few of her colleagues, but most of them were not in favor of her proposal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I can think of a few.

The New York Times

Includes hard photocopies of a few items.

Stanford University

Reports of a few meats projects.

Cornell University

The Sociology of a Few Mundane Artifacts.

University of California, Berkeley

I can think of a few reasons.

MIT Technology Review

They're afraid of a few casualties".

The New York Times - Magazine

Surgical equipment consists of a few scissors.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Consisting of only a few parts?

The New York Times

We dreamed of getting a few hundred.

The New York Times - Magazine

I know of only a few exceptions.

The New Yorker

Discounting, of course, a few sunburned foreheads.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "of a few", ensure the context makes it clear that you are referring to a small, limited quantity. Avoid using it when the exact number is important; specify the number instead.

Common error

Avoid using "of a few" when precision is required. If the exact number is relevant, replace it with a specific numeral. For example, instead of "a few errors", specify "three errors".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of a few" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a small, limited quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is similar to saying “a small number of”.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

31%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "of a few" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate a small quantity or number, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is frequently found in diverse contexts such as news, science, and academic writing. While versatile, it's important to use it when a precise number isn't necessary; otherwise, specify the exact quantity. Consider alternatives like ""a small number of"" or "several" for nuanced expression. Understanding its role and appropriate usage helps ensure clarity and precision in writing. Remember to avoid using the phrase if a specific number is known and relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small number of

This alternative directly replaces "of a few" with a more explicit description of quantity.

just a few

Adds emphasis on the small number.

only a few

Highlights the restricted quantity.

a handful of

This phrase uses a more figurative term to indicate a small quantity, implying that something can be held in one hand.

several

This is a more general term suggesting more than two, but still a limited quantity.

a limited number of

This alternative emphasizes the restriction in quantity more explicitly.

a select few

This implies a limited quantity that is also chosen or special.

some

This is a very general term, indicating an unspecified quantity.

a minority of

This suggests a small part of a larger group.

a couple of

This typically means two, but can sometimes imply a small number close to two.

FAQs

How to use "of a few" in a sentence?

The phrase "of a few" is used to indicate a small quantity or number. For example, "I know "a small number of" people who enjoy that activity."

What can I say instead of "of a few"?

You can use alternatives like "a handful of", "several", or "a limited number of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "of a few" or "of few"?

"Of a few" is the correct and more common usage. "Of few" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts where you intend to mean a small number. Using "of a few" is generally preferable for clarity.

What's the difference between "of a few" and "of several"?

"Of a few" implies a smaller quantity than "of several". While both indicate a limited number, "several" suggests a slightly larger quantity than ""a small number of"".