few
A1Neutral; used in all registers from informal to formal.
Definition
Meaning
A small number of; not many.
Used to emphasize the smallness of a number, often with a connotation of insufficiency, or to denote a notable, select group (e.g., 'a chosen few').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Few" indicates a small number, often with a negative implication of 'not enough.' "A few" indicates a small number but with a positive implication of 'some.' The quantifier "few" can function as a pronoun, determiner, or (in formal use) a noun.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or syntax. Potential minor variation in the frequency of "quite a few" (meaning 'a fairly large number') vs. other intensifiers.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
DET + plural countable noun (few books)Pronoun (Few would agree)DET + few + of + determiner (a few of the books)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “few and far between”
- “have a few (drinks)”
- “the chosen few”
- “to name but a few”
- “no fewer than”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"Few competitors can match our prices." Used to indicate market scarcity or competitive advantage.
Academic
"Few studies have addressed this correlation." Used to highlight a gap in the literature.
Everyday
"I'll be ready in a few minutes." Common for vague, small time estimates.
Technical
Used statistically (e.g., "Outliers were few and were excluded.").
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- Few travellers had ventured so far north.
- He is a man of few words.
American English
- Few politicians answer the question directly.
- There were few customers in the store.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a few apples.
- She has few toys.
- He knows a few words in English.
- Very few students completed the optional essay.
- Could I ask you a few questions?
- Few of us were prepared for the storm.
- The report was concise, containing few unnecessary details.
- There are precious few opportunities like this one.
- Few would argue with his central thesis.
- The policy benefits the privileged few at the expense of the many.
- Despite extensive research, few definitive conclusions can be drawn.
- He is one of the few authors to have mastered both fiction and non-fiction.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FEW = For Every Wish? Not many wishes come true.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY IS SIZE / AMOUNT (a few = a small amount); IMPORTANCE IS NUMBER (the important people = the few).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'few' as 'немного' when negativity is implied ('мало' is better).
- Confusing 'few' (мало) with 'a few' (несколько).
- Overusing 'few' for uncountable concepts where 'little' is required.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'few' with uncountable nouns (e.g., 'few information' instead of 'little information').
- Omitting the article 'a' when a positive meaning is intended (e.g., 'I have few friends' vs. 'I have a few friends').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence implies a positive feeling (you have some)?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Few' has a negative connotation (not many, hardly any). 'A few' has a positive connotation (a small number, but some).
No. 'Few' is only used with plural countable nouns. For uncountable nouns, use 'little' or 'a little'.
No. 'Fewer' is used with plural countable nouns (fewer cars). 'Less' is used with uncountable nouns (less traffic). A common mistake is using 'less' with countables.
It means rare or not happening often. Example: 'Good job offers in that field are few and far between.'