valuable few

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "valuable few" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small number of items, people, or experiences that hold significant worth or importance. Example: "In a world filled with distractions, it's the valuable few relationships that truly enrich our lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

For me, it was an equally valuable few hours spent in the company of arguably one of the world's most powerful but least understood leaders.

BBC

While the campaigns are valuable, few are developed or carried out in the most effective way.

Unicef

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Morris et al. [ 87] found that although 80% of healthcare professionals believed that information obtained from QOL assessments is valuable, fewer than 50% of them implemented QOL assessments in their practice.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Despite being far above the salary cap, the midlevel exception they possess could be a valuable enticement; few teams hold more available money, and even fewer are willing to pay the luxury tax.

The New York Times - Sports

But because they are so valuable, very few are for sale.

The New York Times

The name recognition a movie tie-in confers is now considered so valuable that few Broadway shows try to establish identities particularly distinct from a celluloid parent.

The New York Times

Though many of the brewer's 200 brands, like Bud Light or Beck's, qualify as valuable brands, few ever enter the best beer ranks on popular Web sites.

The New York Times

Most respondents assessed the diversity as (very) high and consider biodiversity in general as (very) valuable, yet few specific structures and species were named.

Ecosystem Services

Many comics never become valuable, and few people ever manage to strike it rich by finding a lucky deal.

WikiHow

But that unpopularity now makes such outfits more valuable as fewer of them remain.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some of these land parcels, viewed in the mid-20th century as castaway scraps, have become more valuable as fewer slices of land are available for development.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "valuable few", consider the context to ensure the phrase accurately conveys both the scarcity and the worth of what you're describing. It is most effective when you want to emphasize that something is not only limited but also highly desirable or important.

Common error

Avoid using "valuable few" in overly casual or informal situations, as the phrase leans towards a more formal and considered tone. Opt for simpler language when everyday conversation is expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "valuable few" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically modifying a noun (often implied). It combines the adjective "valuable", indicating worth or importance, with "few", denoting a small quantity. The phrase modifies an implicitly understood noun, such as 'things' or 'people'. Ludwig confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "valuable few" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey both the scarcity and high worth of a limited number of items, people, or opportunities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its usage leans towards neutral contexts, frequently appearing in news and media, and less so in informal settings. While alternatives like "precious few" and "rare few" exist, "valuable few" is most effective when emphasizing that the limited quantity is also highly desirable. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid overuse and maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precious few

Emphasizes the high value and rarity of the small number.

rare few

Highlights the uncommon nature and limited availability.

exceptional few

Emphasizes the outstanding quality of the limited group.

cherished few

Indicates that the small number is highly prized and beloved.

select few

Suggests a carefully chosen or exclusive group of high value.

worthy few

Highlights the merit or deserving nature of the small group.

handful of valuable

Emphasizes the smallness and worth of the items or people.

scant few

Highlights the insufficiency or inadequacy of the small quantity.

limited number

Focuses on the restricted quantity, less emphasis on value.

negligible few

Stresses the insignificance of the small number.

FAQs

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

You can use "valuable few" to describe a small group of items or people that are considered important or precious, such as: "Among his many acquaintances, only a "valuable few" were true friends."

What are some alternatives to "valuable few"?

Some alternatives to "valuable few" include "precious few", "rare few", or "select few", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "valuable few" or "few valuable"?

"Valuable few" is the more common and grammatically standard phrasing. "Few valuable" is less idiomatic and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

What is the difference between "valuable few" and "a few valuable"?

"Valuable few" emphasizes the scarcity and importance of a small group, while "a few valuable" simply indicates that there are some valuable items or people, without necessarily highlighting their rarity or exclusivity. The former is more emphatic.