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few times vs a few times

The phrases 'few times' and 'a few times' appear similar but have different meanings. 'Few times' emphasizes a small number of occurrences, while 'a few times' indicates a small but noticeable number of occurrences. They are not interchangeable, and the choice between them depends on the intended meaning.
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Explained by Vince
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: October 17, 2024 • 14348 views

few times

This phrase is correct but has a specific meaning. It implies a small number of occurrences.

The phrase 'few times' is used to indicate a small or limited number of occurrences of an event or action.

Examples:

  • I have seen that movie a few times.
  • He has visited this place only a few times.
  • She has cooked that dish a few times before.
  • They have met a few times to discuss the project.
  • I have been to that restaurant a few times.
  • Jul 9, 2019 ... However, the meaning is different and only the second one is something that we would actually say. 1) I have tried to contact you few times. The ...
  • Feb 27, 2009 ... Validation (XHTML 1.0 Transitional): Element 'title' occurs too few times. The title tag for the master page is included in the ...
  • Sep 7, 2017 ... Hello, I bought a pair of converse shoes it was labelled as "used" but the description said they had only been worn a few times.
  • I experience that Zscaler ZPA connection is discinnected-reconnected automatically twice or few times a day when I use the work PC from WFH.
  • Jul 8, 2024 ... Internet drops for about 10 seconds a few times per hour every day. My internet signal has been extremely inconsistent for 3 weeks now. I ...
  • May 11, 2015 ... Is it okay to add "for" in front of a few/a couple of/several times? "I have read this book for a few times." or "I have read this book a ...
  • Jun 14, 2022 ... Trigger Workflow scheduled a few times a day. Hi Dear,. I have a delivery schedule pipeline, the ticket is linked to a carrier tracking code...
  • Find 28 different ways to say A FEW TIMES, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com.
  • Jul 29, 2024 ... I want to achieve is this: The phone should ring a few times or for a few seconds, then stop ringing and play the announcement.
  • Mar 16, 2024 ... ... few times then running normally. It has now increased to 4-6 times start-then-stop each time. So annoying. I'm about to start down the ...

Alternatives:

  • several times
  • a couple of times
  • a handful of times
  • not many times
  • only a small number of times

a few times

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate a small but noticeable number of occurrences.

The phrase 'a few times' is used to indicate a small but noticeable number of occurrences of an event or action.

Examples:

  • I have seen that movie a few times.
  • He has visited this place only a few times.
  • She has cooked that dish a few times before.
  • They have met a few times to discuss the project.
  • I have been to that restaurant a few times.
  • Jul 9, 2019 ... We wouldn't say this: we'd be more likely to say "I haven't contacted you many times". 2) I have tried to contact you a few times. This is ...
  • May 11, 2015 ... Is it okay to add "for" in front of a few/a couple of/several times? "I have read this book for a few times." or "I have read this book a ...
  • Sep 7, 2017 ... Hello, I bought a pair of converse shoes it was labelled as "used" but the description said they had only been worn a few times. "Worn a few ...
  • Jun 14, 2022 ... Trigger Workflow scheduled a few times a day. Hi Dear,. I have a delivery schedule pipeline, the ticket is linked to a carrier tracking code...
  • Oct 30, 2023 ... After deleting and restarting a few times, here is my (hopefully) permanent birb, Boba! Answering the “how are you feeling right now ...
  • Jul 8, 2024 ... Internet drops for about 10 seconds a few times per hour every day. My internet signal has been extremely inconsistent for 3 weeks now. I ...
  • Jul 29, 2024 ... I want to achieve is this: The phone should ring a few times or for a few seconds, then stop ringing and play the announcement.
  • I've lived in Europe a few times and have come full circle back to the US. Despite these tense political times, I love America more than ever. But if...
  • Sep 11, 2024 ... 1098 likes, 2 comments - ianmcnultynola on September 11, 2024: "Crossing Bourbon Street a few times today ahead of #francine.
  • Sep 4, 2020 ... Blink A Few Times To Clear Your Eyes by Grand River, released 04 September 2020 1. Side Lengths 2. Mr. Speaker 3. Canopies 4.

Alternatives:

  • several times
  • a couple of times
  • a handful of times
  • not many times
  • only a small number of times

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