rather few

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather few" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a small number of something, often with a slightly formal or literary tone. Example: "There were rather few attendees at the conference, which was surprising given the topic's relevance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will implement A3 rather A4 🙂 for my team in Bangalore.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Rather, TRIM28 expression abolishes SPOP-mediated ubiquitination of TRIM24.

Nature

We can cope with 100 balls rather 120.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Rather, 54 years old, was treated at Lenox Hill Hospital.

The New York Times

Biological significance of maternal microchimerism is rather complicated29.

Nature

Rather, V2G's greatest near-term promise is for quick-response, high-value electric services.

Journal of Power Sources

So 56 editions to celebrate the 20 years of the books – or rather, 56 decorative objects.

The Guardian - Books

Rather, H3's lower price will bring the vehicle to a vastly larger market.

The New York Times

"I will serve no single political party, but rather 7.5 million Georgians".

The New York Times

Or rather, 1.3-metre tubes kitted out with batteries, sensors and a data-transmission system.

Nature

We assume that overstaying is rather high.8.

IZA Journal of Migration

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather few" when you want to convey a small quantity with a slightly more formal or understated tone than simply saying "few".

Common error

Avoid using "rather few" in very informal or casual contexts, as it can sound stilted or overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "not many" or "a few" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather few" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a small quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rather few" is a grammatically correct and usable determiner phrase that indicates a small quantity or number. Although not frequently encountered, it serves to emphasize scarcity or a lower-than-expected amount, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is best suited for neutral to formal contexts, where a subtle and understated tone is desired. When looking for alternative ways to express this idea, consider options like ""a small number"", ""not many"", or ""relatively few"" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively few

Emphasizes the quantity in relation to an expected or possible larger amount.

a small number

Replaces "rather" with a more direct adjective, resulting in a less formal tone.

hardly any

Similar to "scarcely any" but can be slightly less formal.

scarcely any

Highlights the deficiency or lack of something.

a limited quantity

Focuses on the restriction or constraint in the amount available.

not many

Uses a simple negation to convey the limited quantity, making it suitable for informal contexts.

a handful of

Emphasizes the small, easily countable nature of the quantity.

few and far between

Suggests that something is not only scarce but also infrequent.

a scattering of

Indicates a dispersed and small amount, often used for physical objects.

a trickle of

Implies a slow and sparse flow or appearance of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "rather few" to describe a small quantity or number of something. For example: "There were "rather few" attendees at the meeting."

What's the difference between "rather few" and "few"?

"Rather few" is a more formal and understated way of saying "few". It adds a subtle emphasis to the small quantity.

What are some alternatives to "rather few"?

Alternatives include "a small number", "not many", or "relatively few", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it correct to say "rather a few" instead of "rather few"?

While "rather a few" is also grammatically correct, it means the opposite of "rather few". "Rather a few" indicates a surprisingly large number, whereas "rather few" indicates a surprisingly small number.