Few: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a small number of items, generally indicating scarcity. It often has a slight negative connotation, suggesting a lack of something.

• There are few options left for dinner.
• He has few friends in the city.

Indicates an unspecified number or amount that is more than a few, often used in a neutral or context-dependent manner. It can imply a number that is adequate but not large.

• Can I have some water?
• There are some cookies on the table.

Describes a number that is more than a few but still relatively small. It suggests a greater number than 'few' or 'a few' but less clarity about the exact count.

• She made several phone calls in the morning.
• There were several issues that needed attention.

Highlights the small number of items, often emphasizing the insufficiency or rarity. It usually carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation.

• Not many people attended the meeting.
• There are not many solutions to this problem.

Used to refer to a small quantity or number of people or things, typically when emphasizing that there are not many.

• Few people attended the meeting
• There were few cookies left in the jar

Used to state the precise lack of many, more formally referring to the quantity.

• A small number of students were late for class
• The survey received only a small number of responses

Used when emphasizing an extremely limited quantity or number, sometimes with a slight sense of surprise or disappointment.

• There were hardly any tickets left for the concert
• Hardly any light entered the room

Used to convey an almost complete absence of something, often carrying a slightly more formal tone.

• Scarcely any water remained in the bottle
• There were scarcely any opportunities for advancement

Can also emphasize a smaller quantity than expected or needed.

• Only a few people came to the meeting
• We have a few minutes left before the show starts

Indicates an unspecified but limited number or amount, suggesting more than one but not necessarily many.

• She needs some time to think
• Can you lend me some money?

Implies more than two but not a large number, often somewhere between three and nine.

• She has traveled to several countries
• There are several reasons why this plan might not work

Indicates a small quantity, similar to 'few,' but is generally softer and less emphatic.

• Not many students passed the exam
• There are not many options available