only a few persons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only a few persons" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of individuals in a specific context. Example: "Only a few persons attended the meeting, which was disappointing for the organizers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Only a few persons knew of the trouble, as it occurred at midnight.

The New York Times

Actually, only a few persons can name such animals as their very own.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When using a limited sample size, the influence of the choice of particular representatives (e.g. ministries) on the results is not negligible, especially as some stakeholder groups include only a few persons.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

24 However, the vascular leakage syndrome develops in only a few persons with secondary DENV infections.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Fourth, only a few persons were tested to determine the causative agent.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

At this time, only a few persons had not completed their bachelor's degree.

Human Resources for Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The observation was also made by a bureaucrat at the district level, who said, "Normally in my district it is only the DMO District Medical Officerr) and a few persons who sit and make the plan".

BMC Health Services Research

All opinions will be heard even if they are raised only by one or a few persons, such as the ethical justification for restriction and banning of the chemicals, as opposed to continued use of the chemicals until there is enough proof of toxic effects.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

This leaves the space from the 5th to the 15th centuries and the 16th to the 20th centuries rather sparse; nevertheless, it is an improvement over some calendars wherein only a very few persons, all from the patristic or Reformation periods, were commemorated.

Wikipedia

In Tasmania only a very few persons of full Tasmanian Aboriginal descent survived by 1860, and they were the last.

Encyclopedia Britannica

UPDATE: Believing that all the applicants were qualified, but able to hire only a few, this person recommended rejecting each member of the Federalist Society.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is important, follow "only a few persons" with specific numbers or quantifiable data to give the reader a clear understanding of the actual quantity involved.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "only a few persons" can sound overly formal in everyday conversation. Consider using alternatives like "only a few people" or "just a few" in informal contexts to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only a few persons" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically quantifying the noun it modifies. It indicates a limited quantity of individuals. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

61%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "only a few persons" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a small quantity of individuals. While considered correct, as noted by Ludwig AI, its formality may make it less suitable for casual conversation, where "only a few people" is often preferred. The phrase appears most frequently in scientific and news-related articles and formal documents, indicating a professional or academic register. Remember to use quantifiable data, if possible, and consider your audience when choosing between this and more common alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a few individuals

Simple and direct alternative emphasizing the small quantity.

a small number of individuals

Emphasizes the limited quantity of people.

very few individuals

Uses "very" to amplify the smallness of the number.

just a handful of people

Uses a more informal, figurative term to indicate a small group.

a limited number of individuals

Highlights the restriction in quantity.

only a handful of persons

Combines "only" with "handful" for added emphasis on scarcity.

a select few people

Implies the individuals are chosen or special in some way.

hardly any people

Emphasizes the near absence of individuals.

a sparse number of people

Highlights the scattered or infrequent presence of individuals.

a trickle of people

Uses a metaphor to suggest a slow and minimal flow of individuals.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "only a few people", "just a few individuals", or "a small number of people" depending on the context.

Is "only a few persons" grammatically correct?

Yes, "only a few persons" is grammatically correct, but it can sound somewhat formal. In most situations, "only a few people" is a more common and natural-sounding alternative.

When is it appropriate to use "only a few persons"?

The phrase "only a few persons" is appropriate in formal writing or when referring to a specific, identifiable group of people. However, in everyday conversation, simpler alternatives are often preferred.

What's the difference between "only a few persons" and "only a few people"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning, "only a few persons" is more formal and less commonly used in everyday speech than "only a few people".