thin few

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thin few" is not a standard or commonly used expression in written English.
It may be used to describe a small number of people or things that are lacking in substance or quality, but it is not widely recognized. Example: "In the vast crowd, there were only a thin few who truly understood the message."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Tsunami deposits were covered by the thin (few centimeters' thickness) post-tsunami brownish soil with sand (Fig. 5).

Earth, Planets and Space

Before NW growth, the (100 -Si substrate has been covered with a thin (few nanometres) Pt layer obtained by physical vapor deposition.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Each transducer consists of a ZnO piezoelectric layer driving waves into a square silicon pillar 160 μm×160 μm×500 μm with a thin (few microns) SiO2 antireflection coat.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Under laser irradiation a solid target will undergo several phenomena simultaneously: direct vaporization of the solid forming a rapidly expanding plasma [33], direct fragmentation of the bulk solid into nanoparticles [34], and material melt forming a thin (few microns thick) molten pool that will explosively boil at high laser intensity and eject microspheres [35].

Nanoscale Research Letters

In addition, at no site were the tsunami deposits completely lost, probably because our studied sites, especially those where the original thickness of the tsunami deposits during 2005 survey were thin (few centimeters), were located in flat regions that did not facilitate surface water flow, and in unpopulated areas.

Earth, Planets and Space

Gelatin sponge is a scaffold, which has pores separated by thin (few μm in thickness) walls [ 15].

Cell Regeneration

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Warner et al. [17] presented a relatively simple method to prepare thin few-layer sheets of h-BN with micrometer-sized dimensions using chemical exfoliation in the solvent 1,2-dichloroethane.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The problem is that under the current system, already polarised between the wafer-thin few and the frantic, competing many, where the standard of exams in the private sector is at least two years more advanced than the equivalent level in the state, children already excessively advantaged are being further preferred.

The Guardian - Opinion

The future for American beef cattle is smaller, thinner, fewer.

BBC

Thus, it appears that the prolonged bleb survival in the SPARC−/− eyes is related, at least in part, to the deposition of thinner, fewer, and more loosely-organized collagen fibrils.

Plosone

The reason is that labor markets are thin, with few available workers and even fewer employers.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common and grammatically accepted phrases like "scarce few" or "small number" to ensure clarity and avoid potential misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid combining "thin" with "few" when describing abstract concepts or qualities. Stick to describing physical objects, and even then, consider alternative phrasing to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thin few" functions as a descriptive modifier, attempting to quantify a small number while also suggesting a lack of substance or quality. However, it is considered an uncommon and potentially awkward construction. Ludwig AI indicates it is not a standard expression.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "thin few" is an uncommon and potentially awkward expression in English. As Ludwig AI points out, it is not a standard phrase and is best avoided in formal writing. While the intention may be to convey a small number with a lack of substance, clearer and more conventional alternatives like "scarce few" or "small number" are generally preferred. It's important to consider your audience and the context when choosing your phrasing to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scarce few

Emphasizes the rarity and difficulty in finding or obtaining the items.

small number

Focuses on the numerical aspect, emphasizing the limited quantity.

limited quantity

Highlights the restriction in amount, suggesting a constrained supply.

mere handful

Highlights the small size and ease of containment within a hand.

paltry amount

Suggests that the amount is insignificant or worthless.

rare instances

Emphasizes the infrequency of the occurrences.

tiny minority

Indicates a small subset of a larger group, emphasizing its relative insignificance.

small selection

Refers to a limited choice or range of options available.

negligible quantity

Highlights the insignificance and near-zero value of the amount.

exiguous number

Uses a more formal term to denote a very small and inadequate quantity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "thin few" to sound more natural?

Consider using alternatives like "small number", "scarce few", or "limited quantity" depending on the specific context.

Is "thin few" grammatically correct?

While not strictly ungrammatical, "thin few" is an uncommon and awkward phrasing. It's generally better to opt for clearer and more conventional alternatives.

What does "thin few" imply?

The phrase suggests a small number of something, possibly with the added connotation that what is being referred to is also lacking in substance or quality. However, this connotation is not always clear and may lead to misinterpretation.

Can I use "thin few" in formal writing?

It's advisable to avoid "thin few" in formal contexts. Opt for more precise and widely accepted expressions to maintain clarity and professionalism.