select few

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "select few" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to a small group of people or things in comparison to a larger group. For example: "Only a select few students had the opportunity to attend the prestigious seminar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Sure, a select few have come close.

The New York Times - Sports

We don't want only a select few".

The New York Times

For a select few the answer seems to be "yes".

The Guardian

Will everyone involved be named or only a select few?

The New York Times

Only a select few will get to see it.

The New York Times - Magazine

But a select few are getting ready to run further.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A select few start careers of singular, exquisite promise.

The New York Times

And only a select few have witnessed her preternatural resilience.

The New York Times

A brief review of a select few follows.

The New York Times

Only a select few received their degrees in the Netherlands.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Only a select few have the president's ear.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "select few", ensure the context clearly indicates the larger group from which the selection is being made to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "select few" in very casual conversations or informal writing where simpler terms like "a few" or "some" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "select few" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun (often implied) to indicate a small, exclusive subset of a larger group. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usability. Examples from Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "select few" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a small, exclusive group or set of items, as confirmed by Ludwig. It carries a nuance of exclusivity or privilege, distinguishing the group from a larger population. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to slightly formal contexts. Ludwig's examples reveal its prevalence in news and media, but it’s also present in encyclopedic and business writing. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "a small number" or "an exclusive group" to tailor your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chosen few

Implies a deliberate selection process, emphasizing privilege.

a special few

Focuses on uniqueness and importance.

an exclusive group

Highlights the exclusivity and privileged nature of the group.

a small number

Focuses on the limited quantity rather than the exclusivity.

elite circle

Focuses on high social status group.

a handful

Emphasizes the small and easily manageable quantity.

a restricted number

Focuses solely on the limitation of quantity.

a limited circle

Suggests a restricted group, often in a social context.

the privileged minority

Highlights the advantage and smaller number compared to the majority.

a minority

Highlights that it is a small part of the whole.

FAQs

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

You can use "select few" to describe a small group that is chosen or exclusive. For example, "Only a "chosen few" are invited to the private event."

What's a good alternative to "select few"?

Alternatives include "a small number", "a handful", or "an exclusive group", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "select few"?

While grammatically correct, using "select few" might sound overly formal or pretentious in very casual settings. In such cases, simpler terms like "a few" might be preferable.

What's the difference between "select few" and "a few"?

"Select few" implies a degree of specialness or exclusivity that "a few" doesn't necessarily carry. The former suggests a deliberate choice or distinction.