there are only a handful vs there is only a handful

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'There are only a handful' is used when referring to a plural noun, while 'There is only a handful' is used when referring to a singular noun. The choice between 'are' and 'is' depends on the number of the noun being described.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 2794 views

This phrase is correct when referring to a plural noun.

"there are only a handful"

This phrase is used when you want to emphasize that there are very few of something. 'Are' is used because 'handful' is a plural noun.

Examples:

There are only a handful of people who know the truth.
There are only a handful of books left on the shelf.

Show examples from the web [+]

“I have discovered there are only a handful of good ideas in the whole world. You already know them. You have heard them your entire life. Here are some of the ...
Life, Family, Friends · There are only a handful of designers that influence other designers, and I have to keep one step ahead of the game. Alexander McQueen ...
"There are only a handful of places like this in the country. It's a pretty big deal." See what all the buzz is about at Mezcaleria Mixtli: http://10be.st/1FL6Vi8.
You are Absolutely Correct, there are Only a Handful of. People who Understand National Principles…. A nation, or the sovereign who represents it, may grant to ...

Alternatives:

There are just a few
There are only a couple
There are only a small number
There are only a limited number

This phrase is correct when referring to a singular noun.

"there is only a handful"

This phrase is used when you want to emphasize that there is very little of something. 'Is' is used because 'handful' is treated as a singular noun.

Examples:

There is only a handful of sugar left in the jar.
There is only a handful of sand on the beach.

Show examples from the web [+]

There were a handful of people who had legitimate health issues or were moving . (source). There is only a handful of older fluent speakers left.
... know of one, also there is way 2 many people and a guy in electric wheel chair has the best transportation and where there is only a handful of black people.
4 days ago ... There is only a handful of hearings but plenty of defense/veterans work on Capitol Hill this week. The House Armed Services Committee will ...
The statement that there is only a handful of questionable transitions is another gross exaggeration. Thousands of fossils have been discovered, and we do see ...

Alternatives:

There is just a bit
There is only a small amount
There is only a limited quantity
There is only a small portion

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there are only a handful vs there is only a handful