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

Many of these stories are only a few pages in length.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026

“I’ve had a few weeks as well to work on it when I was back home,” Herbert said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026

"I think a cross-party approach would be a benefit as the plans would take a few terms of parliament at least and then to maintain the benefits for years to come," he added.

From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026

We’ve said it a few times in this newsletter, but sometimes one of the best ways to stop spiraling about the news is to focus on potential solutions.

From Slate ● Jul. 29, 2026

At his side, Harry scanned the tables, her attention catching on a table of people so engrossed in their game that they didn’t notice the girl staring at them just a few feet away.

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

Related Words

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