The phrase “few” is a tough one. It might imply a small quantity, a big quantity, or something in between. So what precisely does it imply? And the way do you utilize it appropriately?
On this article, we’ll take a more in-depth take a look at the that means of “few” and easy methods to use it appropriately in your writing. We’ll additionally focus on among the widespread errors folks make when utilizing “few” and easy methods to keep away from them.
So, how have you learnt when to make use of “few”? Right here are some things to bear in mind:
few is what number of
“Few” is a tough phrase with a spread of meanings. Listed below are 8 necessary factors to recollect:
- Small however not tiny
- Lower than anticipated
- Not many
- A small quantity
- Reverse of “many”
- May be subjective
- Context-dependent
- Use fastidiously
By holding these factors in thoughts, you need to use “few” appropriately and successfully in your writing.
Small however not tiny
After we say “few,” we often imply a small quantity, however not an insignificant or tiny quantity. For instance, in the event you say “There have been few folks on the occasion,” you imply that there weren’t many individuals there, however there have been nonetheless some. You would not say “There have been few folks on the occasion” if there was just one individual there, as a result of that may be tiny, not few.
The phrase “few” implies that there’s some amount, however not a big amount. How a lot is “few” relies on the context. For instance, in the event you’re speaking a couple of group of individuals, “few” would possibly imply three or 4 folks. For those who’re speaking a couple of group of animals, “few” would possibly imply a dozen or two.
“Few” may also be used to explain issues which are small in measurement or amount, however not tiny. For instance, you would possibly say “There are few stars within the sky tonight” or “There are few flowers within the backyard this yr.” In these examples, “few” signifies that there are some stars or flowers, however not many.
The other of “few” is “many.” So, if one thing is “not few,” it’s “many.” For instance, in the event you say “There weren’t few folks on the occasion,” you imply that there have been many individuals there.
By understanding the that means of “few” and the way it’s utilized in completely different contexts, you need to use it appropriately and successfully in your writing.
Lower than anticipated
After we say “few,” we regularly imply a quantity that’s lower than anticipated or desired. For instance, in the event you say “I acquired few responses to my job software,” you imply that you just acquired fewer responses than you anticipated or hoped for.
The phrase “few” implies a way of disappointment or dissatisfaction. It means that the quantity or amount shouldn’t be sufficient or shouldn’t be what was wished or anticipated.
For instance, you would possibly say “There have been few folks on the occasion” in the event you have been anticipating a big crowd. Or, you would possibly say “I acquired few compliments on my new haircut” in the event you have been hoping for extra constructive suggestions.
The other of “few” on this sense is “many.” So, if one thing is “not few,” it’s “many.” For instance, in the event you say “There weren’t few folks on the occasion,” you imply that there have been many individuals there.
By understanding how “few” is used to precise disappointment or dissatisfaction, you need to use it appropriately and successfully in your writing.
Not many
“Few” may also be used to imply “not many.” That is much like the earlier level, nevertheless it focuses on the amount or variety of one thing, somewhat than the expectation or want.
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Small quantity
“Few” can be utilized to explain a small variety of one thing. For instance, you would possibly say “There have been few folks on the assembly” or “I’ve few associates on this metropolis.”
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Not a big quantity
“Few” may also be used to explain a amount that isn’t massive. For instance, you would possibly say “I’ve few {dollars} in my pocket” or “There may be few milk left within the fridge.”
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Lower than common
“Few” may also be used to explain a quantity or amount that’s lower than common. For instance, you would possibly say “I acquired few compliments on my new outfit” or “My firm has few workers.”
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Not sufficient
“Few” may also be used to explain a quantity or amount that isn’t sufficient. For instance, you would possibly say “I’ve few garments to put on” or “There are few job alternatives on this city.”
By understanding how “few” is used to explain a small quantity, amount, or quantity, you need to use it appropriately and successfully in your writing.
A small quantity
After we say “few,” we regularly imply a small variety of one thing. That is the most typical and simple that means of “few.”
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One to a few
When used to explain a particular quantity, “few” often means one to a few. For instance, you would possibly say “I’ve few books on my bookshelf” or “There are few folks within the ready room.”
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A couple of, lower than many
“Few” may also be used to explain a quantity that’s multiple, however lower than many. For instance, you would possibly say “I acquired few compliments on my new haircut” or “There have been few job openings listed within the newspaper.”
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Not a big quantity
“Few” may also be used to explain a quantity that isn’t massive. For instance, you would possibly say “I’ve few {dollars} in my pocket” or “There may be few milk left within the fridge.”
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Lower than anticipated
“Few” may also be used to explain a quantity that’s lower than anticipated or desired. For instance, you would possibly say “I acquired few responses to my job software” or “There have been few folks on the occasion.”
By understanding how “few” is used to explain a small quantity, you need to use it appropriately and successfully in your writing.
Reverse of “many”
The other of “many” is “few.” That is probably the most primary and simple technique to perceive the that means of “few.”
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Small quantity
“Few” means a small variety of one thing. That is the alternative of “many,” which implies a lot of one thing. For instance, you would possibly say “I’ve few books on my bookshelf” (not many books) or “There are few folks within the ready room” (not many individuals).
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Not sufficient
“Few” can even imply not sufficient of one thing. That is additionally the alternative of “many,” which may imply greater than sufficient of one thing. For instance, you would possibly say “I’ve few garments to put on” (not sufficient garments) or “There are few job alternatives on this city” (not sufficient job alternatives).
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Lower than anticipated
“Few” can even imply lower than anticipated or desired. That is additionally the alternative of “many,” which may imply greater than anticipated or desired. For instance, you would possibly say “I acquired few compliments on my new haircut” (lower than I anticipated) or “There have been few folks on the occasion” (lower than I anticipated).
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Uncommon
“Few” can even imply uncommon or unusual. That is additionally the alternative of “many,” which may imply widespread or frequent. For instance, you would possibly say “I’ve few alternatives to journey” (uncommon alternatives) or “There are few individuals who perceive this idea” (unusual folks).
By understanding how “few” is used as the alternative of “many,” you need to use it appropriately and successfully in your writing.
May be subjective
The that means of “few” might be subjective, that means that it may possibly differ relying on the individual or state of affairs. What is taken into account “few” to at least one individual might not be thought of “few” to a different individual.
For instance, in case you are speaking a couple of group of individuals, “few” would possibly imply three or 4 folks to at least one individual, nevertheless it would possibly imply ten or twenty folks to a different individual. It’s because folks have completely different expectations and opinions about what constitutes a “small” or “massive” quantity.
One other instance is in case you are speaking a couple of amount of one thing. “Few” would possibly imply two or three objects to at least one individual, nevertheless it would possibly imply ten or twenty objects to a different individual. It’s because folks have completely different concepts about what’s a “small” or “massive” amount.
The subjectivity of “few” can generally result in misunderstandings. For instance, in the event you inform somebody that you’ve “few associates,” they may assume that you’ve just one or two associates. Nonetheless, you would possibly even have 5 – 6 associates, which you think about to be “few.”
To keep away from misunderstandings, you will need to be clear about what you imply if you use the phrase “few.” You are able to do this by offering extra context or through the use of extra particular numbers. For instance, as a substitute of claiming “I’ve few associates,” you would say “I’ve 5 associates” or “I haven’t got many associates.”
Context-dependent
The that means of “few” may also be context-dependent, that means that it may possibly differ relying on the context wherein it’s used.
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Variety of objects
The that means of “few” can rely upon the variety of objects which are being mentioned. For instance, in case you are speaking a couple of group of individuals, “few” would possibly imply three or 4 folks in a small group, nevertheless it would possibly imply ten or twenty folks in a big group.
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Sort of things
The that means of “few” can even rely upon the kind of objects which are being mentioned. For instance, in case you are speaking a couple of amount of cash, “few” would possibly imply two or three {dollars}, however in case you are speaking a couple of amount of time, “few” would possibly imply two or three hours.
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Expectations
The that means of “few” can even rely upon the expectations of the one who is utilizing the phrase. For instance, in case you are anticipating a big crowd at an occasion, you would possibly think about a number of dozen folks to be “few.” Nonetheless, in case you are anticipating a small gathering, you would possibly think about a number of dozen folks to be “many.”
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Objective
The that means of “few” can even rely upon the aim of the assertion. For instance, in case you are attempting to influence somebody to do one thing, you would possibly use the phrase “few” to make it look like there’s not a lot effort concerned. For instance, you would possibly say “It can take just some minutes” or “You solely want a number of components.”
By understanding how the that means of “few” can differ relying on the context, you need to use it appropriately and successfully in your writing and speech.
Use fastidiously
As a result of the that means of “few” might be subjective and context-dependent, you will need to use it fastidiously. Listed below are a number of suggestions:
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Concentrate on the context
Earlier than you utilize the phrase “few,” think about the context wherein you’re utilizing it. Take into consideration the variety of objects which are being mentioned, the kind of objects, your expectations, and the aim of your assertion.
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Be clear and particular
In case you are undecided whether or not “few” is the best phrase to make use of, it’s higher to be clear and particular. As a substitute of claiming “I’ve few associates,” you would say “I’ve 5 associates” or “I haven’t got many associates.”
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Keep away from utilizing “few” if you imply “none”
The phrase “few” shouldn’t be used to imply “none.” If you wish to say that there aren’t any objects, it is best to use the phrase “none” as a substitute. For instance, as a substitute of claiming “I’ve few associates,” you would say “I’ve no associates.”
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Be constant
In case you are utilizing “few” to check two or extra issues, just be sure you are utilizing it persistently. For instance, in the event you say “I’ve few associates on this metropolis, however I’ve many associates in my hometown,” you’re utilizing “few” persistently to imply “not many.”
By following the following tips, you need to use the phrase “few” appropriately and successfully in your writing and speech.
FAQ
Listed below are some ceaselessly requested questions concerning the phrase “how”:
Query 1: What does “how” imply?
Reply: The phrase “how” is used to ask or describe the style, technique, or means wherein one thing is finished, occurs, or exists. It may also be used to ask or describe the rationale or explanation for one thing.
Query 2: How do I take advantage of “how” in a query?
Reply: To make use of “how” in a query, place it at the start of the query. For instance, you would ask “How do you make a cake?” or “How did the accident occur?”
Query 3: How do I take advantage of “how” in an announcement?
Reply: To make use of “how” in an announcement, place it earlier than the verb that describes the style, technique, or means wherein one thing is finished, occurs, or exists. For instance, you would say “I do not know easy methods to make a cake” or “The accident occurred due to how the driving force was dashing.”
Query 4: What are some widespread expressions that use “how”?
Reply: There are lots of widespread expressions that use “how,” comparable to “how are you,” “how is it going,” “how do you do,” “how lengthy,” “how a lot,” and “what number of.”
Query 5: What are some examples of “how” in a sentence?
Reply: Listed below are some examples of “how” utilized in a sentence:
- How do you make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?
- I do not know easy methods to swim.
- How lengthy will it take to get to the airport?
- How a lot does a gallon of milk price?
- How many individuals reside on this metropolis?
Query 6: Can “how” be used to ask about somebody’s well being or well-being?
Reply: Sure, “how” can be utilized to ask about somebody’s well being or well-being. For instance, you would ask “How are you feeling?” or “How is your day going?”
These are just some examples of easy methods to use the phrase “how.” By understanding the completely different ways in which “how” can be utilized, you need to use it appropriately and successfully in your writing and speech.
Now that you understand extra concerning the phrase “how,” listed below are a number of suggestions for utilizing it successfully:
Ideas
Listed below are a number of suggestions for utilizing the phrase “how” successfully in your writing and speech:
Tip 1: Use “how” to ask questions.
One of the vital widespread methods to make use of “how” is to ask questions. For instance, you would ask “How do you make a cake?” or “How did the accident occur?” When utilizing “how” to ask a query, place it at the start of the query.
Tip 2: Use “how” to explain the style, technique, or means of one thing.
“How” may also be used to explain the style, technique, or means wherein one thing is finished, occurs, or exists. For instance, you would say “I do not know easy methods to make a cake” or “The accident occurred due to how the driving force was dashing.” When utilizing “how” to explain the style, technique, or means of one thing, place it earlier than the verb that describes the motion.
Tip 3: Use “how” to ask about somebody’s well being or well-being.
“How” may also be used to ask about somebody’s well being or well-being. For instance, you would ask “How are you feeling?” or “How is your day going?” When utilizing “how” to ask about somebody’s well being or well-being, place it at the start of the query.
Tip 4: Use “how” in widespread expressions.
There are lots of widespread expressions that use “how,” comparable to “how are you,” “how is it going,” “how do you do,” “how lengthy,” “how a lot,” and “what number of.” When utilizing these widespread expressions, place “how” at the start of the expression.
By following the following tips, you need to use the phrase “how” appropriately and successfully in your writing and speech.
Now that you understand extra concerning the phrase “how” and easy methods to use it successfully, you possibly can talk extra clearly and concisely.
Conclusion
On this article, we’ve explored the various methods to make use of the phrase “how.” We discovered that “how” can be utilized to ask questions, describe the style, technique, or means of one thing, ask about somebody’s well being or well-being, and use in widespread expressions.
By understanding the completely different ways in which “how” can be utilized, we will use it appropriately and successfully in our writing and speech. This can assist us to speak extra clearly and concisely.
So, subsequent time you need to ask a query, describe one thing, or ask about somebody’s well being, keep in mind to make use of “how.” It’s a versatile phrase that can be utilized in many various methods to make our communication more practical.
