Which is correct:
"a few choices" or "few choices"?

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a few choices

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It implies a small number of choices available.

Use 'a few choices' when you want to indicate that there are a small number of choices available, but not necessarily a negative situation.

Examples:

  • I have a few choices for dinner tonight.
  • There are a few choices of colors for the new car.
  • She had a few choices for her next vacation destination.
  • You have a few choices when it comes to dessert.
  • There were a few choices of movies to watch.

Alternatives:

  • several choices
  • a couple of choices
  • a handful of choices
  • a small number of choices
  • a limited number of choices

few choices

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It implies a limited or insufficient number of choices available.

Use 'few choices' when you want to convey that there are not many choices available, indicating a negative or restrictive situation.

Examples:

  • She had few choices but to accept the offer.
  • There were few choices left for the team to make.
  • With few choices available, he had to make a quick decision.
  • The menu had few choices that appealed to him.
  • In that remote area, there were few choices for entertainment.

Alternatives:

  • limited choices
  • scant choices
  • restricted choices
  • insufficient choices
  • not many choices
Both "a few choices" and "few choices" are correct, but they have different meanings. "A few choices" implies that there are a small number of choices available, while "few choices" suggests a limited or insufficient number of choices. The addition of the article 'a' changes the meaning from negative to neutral or slightly positive.

Last updated: March 26, 2024

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