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

He also had a few words of advice for individuals who are chasing passive income or eager to become entrepreneurs themselves.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026

Ruck adds that there were "a few other tourists knocking about for a summer family holiday kind of thing", but that it "definitely felt like it was in its infancy".

From BBC • May 24, 2026

Despite a light earnings calendar, there are a few notable companies reporting quarterly results.

From Barron's • May 24, 2026

All you’ll need is a block of tofu, cottage cheese and a few seasonings.

From Salon • May 24, 2026

A turn to the right, a few steps down, right again . . . what an endless labyrinth this prison was.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Related Words

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