very few

USAGE SUMMARY

"very few" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize a small number of things. For example, "We have very few options left."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Very few".

The New York Times

Very few people came.

Independent

Very few people divorced.

The New York Times

Very few were Americans.

The Economist

He said, "Very few".

The New Yorker

Very few cared.

The Economist

But very few.

Independent

But very few emerged.

Independent

Very few others.

The New York Times

I know very few.

The New Yorker

Or very, very few.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very few" when you want to emphasize the scarcity of something, suggesting that the number or amount is surprisingly small. For example, "Very few people attended the meeting, which was disappointing."

Common error

Avoid using "few" when you actually mean "a few". "Few" implies a negative sense of scarcity, while "a few" indicates a small but sufficient quantity. For example, "Few opportunities exist" sounds more negative than "A few opportunities exist". Using "very few" can help clarify the intended negative connotation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very few" functions as a determiner, specifically a quantifier, indicating a small number or quantity. It modifies nouns to specify that the amount is minimal. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent use in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very few" is a grammatically sound and commonly used quantifier that emphasizes a small number or amount. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage. It is most frequently found in News & Media sources but is suitable for various contexts. When using it, be mindful of the distinction between "few" and "a few", and ensure it aligns with countable nouns. Alternatives include "hardly any" or "a small number", offering nuanced ways to express scarcity. Keep in mind the aiResponseStatus confirms its correctness, and Ludwig has a lot of examples of it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hardly any

Emphasizes the scarcity, suggesting almost none exist.

exceedingly few

Similar to "very few" but slightly more formal and emphatic.

almost none

Indicates a near absence of something.

scarcely any

Similar to "hardly any", stressing the lack of something.

a small number

Focuses on the limited quantity, more formal than "very few".

only a few

Highlights that the number is restricted and limited.

not many

A more direct and simple way to express a small quantity.

precious few

Adds a sense of value or rarity to the small quantity.

a tiny amount

Emphasizes the diminutive size of the quantity.

negligible quantity

Highlights that the amount is so small it's insignificant.

FAQs

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

"Very few" is used to emphasize that the number or amount of something is surprisingly small. For example, "Very few people attended the event" or "Very few options remain".

What are some alternatives to saying "very few"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "hardly any", "a small number", or "only a few". Each alternative has a slightly different nuance.

Is it ever incorrect to use "very few"?

The phrase "very few" is grammatically correct. However, ensure that the context accurately reflects the scarcity you intend to convey. Using it when a larger quantity is present would be misleading. Consider if "quite a few", "several" or even "many" may be more accurate.

What's the difference between "very few" and "very little"?

"Very few" is used with countable nouns (e.g., people, items), while "very little" is used with uncountable nouns (e.g., water, time). For example, "very few books" vs. "very little water".