a few

Idioms  

1. A small number of persons or things. This phrase can differ slightly from few used alone, which means “not many.” For example, The party was to end at eight, but a few stayed on indicates that a small number of guests remained, whereas The party began at eight, and few attended means that hardly any guests came. [Late 1200s] Also see quite a bit (few).

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

a few

The client had already received several owner-occupied loans in just a few years, and the banker was objecting to a new one, people familiar with the matter said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026

Chris: The manager has only been in place for a few weeks, but I am already concerned with what I've seen.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026

Umpire Bill Miller took a few steps toward the creature, who then scampered into right field.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026

It stood outside a brick six-flat, also fittingly painted blue, and decorated with a few stickers: “Protect Native Plants,” a rocket ship from a regional space camp, several iridescent birds.

From Salon ● Jul. 28, 2026

I gave it a few seconds, but no dots appeared.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

• individual
• numerous
• particular
• precise
• special
• specific
• specified
• various