a few hours ago or few hours ago?

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a few hours ago

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate a small, indefinite amount of time that has passed.

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Use 'a few hours ago' when referring to a recent but unspecified short period of time in the past.

Examples:

I saw her a few hours ago.
He left a few hours ago.
We finished the project a few hours ago.

Alternatives:

several hours ago
a couple of hours ago
a handful of hours ago
a small number of hours ago
a limited number of hours ago

few hours ago

This phrase is incorrect in English. The article 'a' is necessary before 'few hours ago' to convey the intended meaning of a small, indefinite amount of time that has passed.

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The correct phrase is 'a few hours ago.' The inclusion of the article 'a' before 'few hours ago' is necessary to indicate that a small, indefinite amount of time has passed. 'Few hours ago' without the article would imply a negative connotation, suggesting that not enough time has passed.

Last updated: March 25, 2024

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