"by a few researchers" vs "by few researchers"

Question

"by a few researchers" vs "by few researchers"

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings. 'By few researchers' implies that only a small number of researchers were involved, while 'by a few researchers' means that some researchers were involved, without specifying the exact number. The choice between the two depends on the intended meaning.

Last Updated: March 22, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate that a small group of researchers, without specifying the exact number, were involved in a particular task or study.

Examples:

The research paper was authored by a few researchers from different universities.
The project was carried out by a few researchers who specialize in the field.

Alternatives:

by some researchers
by a small group of researchers

This phrase is used to indicate that a small or insufficient number of researchers were involved in a particular task or study.

Examples:

The study was conducted by few researchers, which may have impacted the results.
The project was completed by few researchers due to budget constraints.

Alternatives:

by only a few researchers
by a small number of researchers

Answer 1

by a few researchers

This phrase is correct and more commonly used. It indicates that some researchers were involved, without specifying the exact number.

Answer 2

by few researchers

This phrase is correct but less common. It implies that only a small number of researchers were involved.

"by a few researchers" vs "by few researchers"

by a few researchers

by few researchers

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