by few vs by a few

The phrases 'by few' and 'by a few' have different meanings and are used in different contexts. 'By a few' is the correct phrase and is commonly used to indicate a small number or amount. On the other hand, 'by few' is not a standard English phrase and is not used in this context.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 1310 views

by few

'by few' is not a standard English phrase and is not used in this context.

The phrase 'by few' is not correct in English. Instead, you should use 'by a few' to indicate a small number or amount.

Show examples from the web [+]

This opinion seems to be shared by few in Parliament.
There are many literary works which seldom reach a wider audience because they are written in a language mastered by few.
The by-product of an energy source, used by few species because it is harmful to living tissue.
The respect for and defence of our fundamental human rights was the starting point and the achievement of the European Union, but till now the declaration has been accompanied by few concrete legal and practical measures.
All speakers in this Parliament are entitled to speak in their mother tongue whether that language is spoken by many or by few.
I should also like to mention a concern which I do not share and which, fortunately, has been mentioned by few, namely religion.
Yet the budget is also full of clever little hidden nooks and crannies, a fact known by few better than by most of those now listening to this debate.
In any event, it would appear that in a market which is characterised by few producers worldwide, maintaining the existence of Union production of an important raw material would be fully in line with the objective to ensure sustainable supply of raw materials to the Union market.

by a few

'By a few' is the correct phrase and is commonly used to indicate a small number or amount.

Use 'by a few' when you want to express a small quantity or number of something.

Examples:

I only need to buy a few apples for the recipe.
She was able to solve the puzzle with the help of a few hints.
By a few minutes, we missed the train.
He arrived late by a few seconds.
Can you wait for me for a few minutes?

Show examples from the web [+]

Today's peaceful rally against the oil deal - was marred by a few troublemakers.
The proposals made by a few MEPs impact greatly on this system.
I was older than her by a few years.
Missed the water by a few hundred yards.
This is a gun used by a few professionals.
I did not fight for the freedom of all Jaffa, only to have it corrupted by a few power hungry individuals.
These dates are off by a few weeks.
Taller by a few inches, though.
Shorten her life by a few weeks?
I just think maybe I'm off by a few feet.
This is the only image we have, compiled by a few witnesses.
Control yourselves, unless you want to postpone your trip home by a few months.
Seijuro Yoshioka will come seconded by a few of his men tomorrow morning at five to the Ichijoji Temple Very good.
Again, these are outcomes not just experienced by a few, but that resound across all strata of society.
We already have the data showing that it reduces the duration of your flu by a few hours.
It doesn't do any damage, but it elevates the temperature by a few degrees.
Globalisation has arrived, and travel agencies have been taken over by a few major players who can also lay down the rules applicable in the sector.
The anti-fraud agreement with Switzerland has been signed but has still to be ratified by a few Member States.
The agreement with Switzerland has been signed and still needs to be ratified by a few Member States.
The framework agreement between our two institutions is now in operation even if it is disputed by a few of our Members.

Alternatives:

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

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