a few people are vs a few people are coming

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "A few people are" is about the presence or action of some individuals, while "a few people are coming" indicates that a small number of individuals are arriving or moving toward a certain location.

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Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 09, 2025 • 5436 views

This phrase is correct and can be used to make a general statement about the presence of some individuals.

"a few people are "

This phrase is used to describe the existence of a small number of people without specifying any action or movement.

Show examples from the web [+]

I think quite a few people are Yelp reviewers.
Only a few people are allowed to handle it.
The fact that just a few people are to discuss the issue quickly here is therefore very wrong.
I was forced to realise that only a few people are aware of how close Europe is to them.
Just because a few people are gaming the system doesn't mean Digital Corner's off the hook.
Only a few people are awake... and they live in a state of constant, total amazement.
I therefore urge that urgent matters be allocated the time needed to ensure that human rights issues are not sacrificed just because a few people are in a hurry to get back to their constituencies.
(chuckles) Quite a few people are still looking for this little lady,
A few people are going to be leaving.
A few people are in line for hell ahead of you, If that's the worst you've got for me.
Mr President, quite a few people are wishing the Fundamental Rights Agency much success, and, in view of recent events, it will need it.
I know of a few people who aren't using their identities.
No, just a few people who are willing to put their lives on the line for something that really matters.
There are a few people who are interested in seeing this trial comes out right.
Commissioner, the CAP has been producing scandalous agricultural incomes for a few people who are sometimes not even farmers.
I know of a few people who aren't using their identities.
Trent and Candace and a few other people are going out to the reservoir tonight.
I got a few people to see that are late with payments.
But I know there are quite a few people... who are anxious to meet you.
We all know that quite a few of these people are involved in buying and supplying arms which end up in Kosovo.

Alternatives:

a few people are present
a few people are here
a few people are around
a few people are nearby
a few people are in the room

This phrase is correct and is used to specifically indicate that a small number of individuals are arriving or moving towards a certain location.

"a few people are coming"

This phrase is used when you want to convey that a small group of people is on their way to a particular place.

Show examples from the web [+]

We've seen a few people coming in and out.
Very few people have been coming to me lately and I love my job.
A few people are going to be leaving.
I think quite a few people are Yelp reviewers.
Only a few people are allowed to handle it.
The fact that just a few people are to discuss the issue quickly here is therefore very wrong.
I was forced to realise that only a few people are aware of how close Europe is to them.
Just because a few people are gaming the system doesn't mean Digital Corner's off the hook.
Only a few people are awake... and they live in a state of constant, total amazement.
A few people are in line for hell ahead of you, If that's the worst you've got for me.
I therefore urge that urgent matters be allocated the time needed to ensure that human rights issues are not sacrificed just because a few people are in a hurry to get back to their constituencies.
(chuckles) Quite a few people are still looking for this little lady,
Mr President, quite a few people are wishing the Fundamental Rights Agency much success, and, in view of recent events, it will need it.
As long as there are even a few people left to create life, And as long as people are willing to protect that life, The keeper can't win.
KS: Now, we showed the concept to a few people before this, and they asked us, when's it coming out?
We just knock a few heads together, threaten to shoot a few people... they give us the code.
I got a few people to see that are late with payments.
We've brought a few people to put up.
There are still a few people around, but at night this place is like Mars.
There's a few people here from school.

Alternatives:

a few people are arriving
a few people are approaching
a few people are on their way
a few people are heading here
a few people are en route

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a few people are vs a few people are coming

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