recommended a few

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "recommended a few" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting or endorsing a small number of items, options, or ideas to someone. Example: "After reviewing the options, I recommended a few books that I think you would enjoy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Cohen even recommended a few names, including Husted.

The New York Times - Sports

Antioxidant nutrients, especially vitamin E, were widely recommended a few years ago to keep the heart healthy.

The New York Times

RESERVATIONS Friday and Saturday nights can be busy midevening, and reservations are recommended a few days ahead.

The New York Times - Food

The HFEA recommended a few more tests to investigate such loose ends, some of which are already under way.

The Economist

On Orleans Avenue, this club would not have been recommended a few years prior because the Iberville Projects (council estates) were across the street.

The Guardian - Travel

Paul Collier notably recommended a few weeks ago that the romantic attachment to small farms and farmers, and corresponding policies supporting small-holder agriculture, were a problem.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Fortunately, I can recommend a few more – not least The 56 (Assembly George Square Studios).

The Guardian

I asked Tell to recommend a few other books on the subject.

The New Yorker

Packard recommends a few lashings of Worcestershire and Tabasco instead of vinegar.

The New York Times - Magazine

JULIA MOSKIN Q Can you recommend a few nice cocktails to serve before dinner?

The New York Times

— to recommend a few favorites for each region from the multitude of all creation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "recommended a few", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being recommended and why. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "recommended a few" without specifying what you are recommending. Instead of saying "Experts recommended a few", specify what the experts recommended to provide useful and actionable information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "recommended a few" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the act of suggesting or endorsing a limited number of items, options, or actions. This aligns with the usage observed in Ludwig's examples, where recommendations span from exercises to books.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "recommended a few" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase indicating the act of suggesting or endorsing a small selection of items or options. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, predominantly appearing in News & Media and Science sources. When using this phrase, remember to specify what exactly is being recommended to provide clarity. Consider alternatives like "suggested a handful" or "endorsed some options" for nuanced expression. With its neutral formality, "recommended a few" effectively conveys guidance without being overly technical or casual.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggested a handful

Replaces "recommended" with "suggested" and "few" with "handful", implying a small quantity.

endorsed some options

Uses "endorsed" to highlight approval and "options" instead of an unspecified item.

proposed a couple

Employs "proposed" for suggestion and "couple" to specify two items.

advised on several

"Advised" implies guidance, and "several" indicates more than two but fewer than many.

highlighted a limited number

Focuses on the act of drawing attention to a small, specific quantity.

pointed out a select few

"Pointed out" directs attention, and "select few" emphasizes chosen items.

put forward a small selection

"Put forward" suggests offering something for consideration, and "small selection" clarifies quantity.

vouched for a minority

"Vouched for" lends credibility, and "minority" stresses the limited proportion.

approved a restricted amount

"Approved" signifies formal endorsement, and "restricted amount" limits the quantity.

favored a scant number

"Favored" indicates preference, and "scant number" emphasizes a minimal quantity.

FAQs

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

You can use "recommended a few" when you want to suggest or endorse a small number of items or options. For example, "The doctor "recommended a few" exercises for back pain."

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

You can use alternatives like "suggested a handful", "endorsed some options", or "proposed a couple" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "recommended a few" in formal writing?

Yes, "recommended a few" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, you might consider using a more precise term or a synonym like "advised on several".

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

"Recommended a few" implies a smaller number than "recommended several". "A few" typically means 3-5, while "several" indicates more than two but fewer than many.