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few minutes vs a few minutes

Both "few minutes" and "a few minutes" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Few minutes" implies a small or insufficient amount of time, while "a few minutes" indicates a short but sufficient amount of time. The addition of the article 'a' changes the meaning from negative (few) to positive (a few).

Last updated: April 06, 2024 • 1141 views

This phrase is correct and implies a small or insufficient amount of time.

"few minutes"

Use "few minutes" when you want to convey that there is not much time available or that the time is limited.

Examples:

  • I have a few minutes to spare before the meeting starts.
  • There are few minutes left before the deadline.
  • The light-rail train passed by every few minutes.
  • Programming winding models takes just a few minutes.
  • Charles, I just need a few minutes alone with you.
  • I was unfairly harsh to you a few minutes ago.
  • That delayed our departure for a few minutes.
  • You should have the documents in a few minutes.
  • Software takes hardly few minutes to display final result.
  • A few minutes ago a one-armed man was in here.
  • Mr. Secretary, I only need you for a few minutes.
  • Let him know I'll be down in a few minutes.
  • I'm sure that I could spare a few minutes for you.
  • He may have been out of my sight for a few minutes.
  • Wayne assated Tommy in the alley a few minutes later.
  • You'll be out of air in a few minutes.
  • She was, for a few minutes, technically dead.
  • We'll be serving breakfast in a few minutes.
  • An hour, give or take a few minutes.
  • Only a few minutes left to start the ritual.
  • We'll ony be here for a few minutes.
  • It was just a few minutes.

Alternatives:

  • scant minutes
  • limited time
  • insufficient time
  • scarce minutes
  • short time

This phrase is correct and indicates a short but sufficient amount of time.

"a few minutes"

Use "a few minutes" when you want to convey that there is a short but reasonable amount of time available.

Examples:

  • I'll be ready in a few minutes.
  • Just give me a few minutes to finish this task.
  • Mr. Secretary, I only need you for a few minutes.
  • You'll be out of air in a few minutes.
  • Charles, I just need a few minutes alone with you.
  • I was unfairly harsh to you a few minutes ago.
  • That delayed our departure for a few minutes.
  • You should have the documents in a few minutes.
  • Let him know I'll be down in a few minutes.
  • I'm sure that I could spare a few minutes for you.
  • He may have been out of my sight for a few minutes.
  • Wayne assated Tommy in the alley a few minutes later.
  • She was, for a few minutes, technically dead.
  • We'll be serving breakfast in a few minutes.
  • An hour, give or take a few minutes.
  • We'll ony be here for a few minutes.
  • I was under the impression you noticed a few minutes ago.
  • Although, a few minutes ago would have been better.
  • Although, a few minutes ago would have been better.
  • Just give me a few minutes to look over there.
  • We only have a few minutes, so let's focus.
  • They haven't got a few minutes.

Alternatives:

  • several minutes
  • a handful of minutes
  • a small amount of time
  • a short period
  • a couple of minutes

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