rare few

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rare few" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a very small number or minority of people or things. For example, "A rare few shoppers were still out on the streets despite the rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A rare few cost even less.

The New York Times - Travel

There are a rare few who picked it up right away.

The New York Times - Arts

A rare few want their child's name to get lost in a virtual crowd.

The New York Times

And then there are the rare few who inspire awe by being both.

The New York Times

Lee always says that happy times are a rare few in life.

The New York Times

His paintings are rare; few are documented, and many forgeries exist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But a rare few – Bernard Hopkins, Floyd Mayweather – have adopted the asceticism of camp into a 24/7/365 lifestyle.

The Guardian - Sport

The prime minister said she became hooked on the show over her summer break during a rare few days off.

The Guardian

With the exception of sites selling online pornography, a rare few Web sites have succeeded in attracting paying subscribers.

The New York Times

But who is to say that among galactic civilizations there are not a rare few with tremendous capabilities?

The New York Times - Science

Davis is one of the rare few in British comedy who has never put a foot wrong.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rare few" to emphasize not only the small number but also the exceptional or unusual nature of the items or individuals being referred to. For example, "A rare few artists achieve international recognition in their lifetime."

Common error

While "rare few" is widely accepted, overuse in highly formal or academic writing might sound slightly informal. Opt for alternatives like "a limited number" or "a small minority" in such contexts to maintain a more elevated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rare few" functions as a determiner that modifies a noun, indicating a small and exceptional quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is a grammatically correct way to denote scarcity combined with a sense of uniqueness or specialness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rare few" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a small number of exceptional or uncommon items or individuals. As Ludwig AI points out, its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. To enhance clarity and formality, consider using alternatives such as "a select few" or "a limited number" in highly formal or academic writing. Using "rare few" effectively involves recognizing its ability to emphasize both scarcity and distinction, making it a valuable tool in expressing precise and evocative meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very few

Directly states the scarcity, removing the emphasis on 'rare'.

only a few

Stresses that the quantity is not many, emphasizing the limitation.

a select few

Emphasizes the chosen or exclusive nature of the small group.

a handful of

Highlights the small, manageable quantity.

a tiny minority

Underscores the minimal representation of the group.

a limited number

Highlights a restriction in the amount or quantity.

an exceptional few

Highlights the outstanding or atypical nature of the small group.

a scarce number

Focuses on the limited availability or supply.

an uncommon minority

Emphasizes both the unusual nature and small size of the group.

isolated cases

Highlights instances that are infrequent and not representative.

FAQs

How can I use "rare few" in a sentence?

You can use "rare few" to describe a small number of things or people that are also exceptional or uncommon. For example, "Only a "rare few" books manage to capture the essence of an entire generation."

What can I say instead of "rare few"?

You can use alternatives like "select few", "handful of", or "tiny minority" depending on the context.

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

"Rare few" is the correct and more commonly used phrase. "Rare a few" is grammatically incorrect and not typically used in standard English.

What's the difference between "rare few" and "very few"?

While both phrases indicate a small quantity, "rare few" emphasizes that the small number is also exceptional or uncommon, whereas "very few" simply highlights the scarcity.