there are few things

USAGE SUMMARY

'there are few things" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to introduce a limited number of items or ideas that are about to be mentioned. For example, "There are few things in life more rewarding than watching your children grow up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

THERE are few things quite so Colombian as the sombrero vueltiao.

The Economist

THERE are few things that seem more patriotic than mothers and the Olympics.

The New York Times

THERE are few things a charity likes better than a big cheque.

The Economist

THERE are few things quite as hypocritical as American politicians hurling accusations of cronyism.

The Economist

In the world of horology there are few things fancier than the tourbillion and there are few things extra fancier than a triple-axis model.

TechCrunch

In fact, there are few things better.

The New Yorker

There are few things about flying that give me pause.

The New York Times

There are few things reality TV can't smooth over.

The New York Times - Arts

There are few things as ethereal and intangible as poems.

The New York Times

There are few things that refresh as instantly.

The New York Times - Magazine

There are few things still left for the picking here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "there are few things", ensure that the subsequent clause clarifies what those few things are to provide context and meaning to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "there are few things" when you actually mean "there are no things" or "there are many things". The phrase implies a small number, not an absence or a large quantity. Be precise with your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there are few things" functions as an introductory expression used to set the stage for a statement about a limited number of items, ideas, or situations. As confirmed by Ludwig, this structure is grammatically sound. The following part of the sentence is where the meaning lies: 'There are few things that annoy me more than being mistakenly called English'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

5%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there are few things" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used phrase in the English language. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage for introducing a limited set of items or ideas. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase serves to emphasize scarcity or limitation, setting the expectation that the subsequent discussion will be focused on a select number of instances. When employing this phrase, clarity and precision are important to ensure accurate communication. Consider "there are not many things" or "there are only a few things" as alternatives, when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there are not many things

Emphasizes the limited quantity using "not many" instead of "few".

there are only a few things

Adds emphasis on the exclusivity of the small quantity.

there are a limited number of things

Replaces "few" with a more formal phrase indicating restriction.

few things exist

Shifts the focus to the existence of a limited quantity.

only some things are

Focuses on highlighting which things exist rather than the small amount.

not many items are available

Replaces "things" with "items" and uses "available" to suggest current accessibility.

there is a shortage of things

Indicates that there is a deficiency or deficit.

there's a scarcity of things

Expresses the lack as a general scarcity, altering sentence structure.

things are scarce

Simplifies the sentence to highlight the rarity of items.

a handful of things

Uses a more figurative expression to denote a small number.

FAQs

How can I use "there are few things" in a sentence?

You can use "there are few things" to introduce a limited number of items or ideas. For example, "There are few things as comforting as a warm cup of tea on a cold day."

What phrases are similar to "there are few things"?

Alternatives include "there are not many things", "there are a limited number of things", or "there are only a few things" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "there are few things"?

Yes, "there are few things" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules for subject-verb agreement and the use of "few" to indicate a small quantity.

When is it appropriate to use "there are few things" instead of "there are no things"?

"There are few things" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that while something is scarce, it isn't completely absent. If something doesn't exist at all, use "there are no things".