The phrase “few” is a tough one. It may well imply a small quantity, a big quantity, or something in between. So what precisely does it imply? And the way do you utilize it appropriately?
On this article, we’ll take a better have a look at the which means of “few” and the best way to use it appropriately in your writing. We’ll additionally talk about a number of the widespread errors individuals make when utilizing “few” and the best way to keep away from them.
So, how have you learnt when to make use of “few”? Right here are some things to bear in mind:
few is what number of
“Few” is a tough phrase with a spread of meanings. Listed below are 8 vital factors to recollect:
- Small however not tiny
- Lower than anticipated
- Not many
- A small quantity
- Reverse of “many”
- Could be subjective
- Context-dependent
- Use rigorously
By retaining these factors in thoughts, you should use “few” appropriately and successfully in your writing.
Small however not tiny
Once we say “few,” we often imply a small quantity, however not an insignificant or tiny quantity. For instance, if you happen to say “There have been few individuals on the social gathering,” you imply that there weren’t many individuals there, however there have been nonetheless some. You would not say “There have been few individuals on the social gathering” if there was just one particular person there, as a result of that might be tiny, not few.
The phrase “few” implies that there’s some amount, however not a big amount. How a lot is “few” is dependent upon the context. For instance, if you happen to’re speaking a couple of group of individuals, “few” would possibly imply three or 4 individuals. In the event you’re speaking a couple of group of animals, “few” would possibly imply a dozen or two.
“Few” will also be used to explain issues which can be small in dimension or amount, however not tiny. For instance, you would possibly say “There are few stars within the sky tonight” or “There are few flowers within the backyard this 12 months.” In these examples, “few” implies that there are some stars or flowers, however not many.
The alternative of “few” is “many.” So, if one thing is “not few,” it’s “many.” For instance, if you happen to say “There weren’t few individuals on the social gathering,” you imply that there have been many individuals there.
By understanding the which means of “few” and the way it’s utilized in totally different contexts, you should use it appropriately and successfully in your writing.
Lower than anticipated
Once we say “few,” we regularly imply a quantity that’s lower than anticipated or desired. For instance, if you happen to say “I obtained few responses to my job utility,” you imply that you simply obtained fewer responses than you anticipated or hoped for.
The phrase “few” implies a way of disappointment or dissatisfaction. It means that the quantity or amount just isn’t sufficient or just isn’t what was wished or anticipated.
For instance, you would possibly say “There have been few individuals on the social gathering” if you happen to had been anticipating a big crowd. Or, you would possibly say “I obtained few compliments on my new haircut” if you happen to had been hoping for extra constructive suggestions.
The alternative of “few” on this sense is “many.” So, if one thing is “not few,” it’s “many.” For instance, if you happen to say “There weren’t few individuals on the social gathering,” you imply that there have been many individuals there.
By understanding how “few” is used to precise disappointment or dissatisfaction, you should use it appropriately and successfully in your writing.
Not many
“Few” will also be used to imply “not many.” That is much like the earlier level, however it focuses on the amount or variety of one thing, relatively than the expectation or want.
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Small quantity
“Few” can be utilized to explain a small variety of one thing. For instance, you would possibly say “There have been few individuals on the assembly” or “I’ve few associates on this metropolis.”
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Not a big quantity
“Few” will also be used to explain a amount that’s not massive. For instance, you would possibly say “I’ve few {dollars} in my pocket” or “There may be few milk left within the fridge.”
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Lower than common
“Few” will also be used to explain a quantity or amount that’s lower than common. For instance, you would possibly say “I obtained few compliments on my new outfit” or “My firm has few staff.”
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Not sufficient
“Few” will also be used to explain a quantity or amount that’s not sufficient. For instance, you would possibly say “I’ve few garments to put on” or “There are few job alternatives on this city.”
By understanding how “few” is used to explain a small quantity, amount, or quantity, you should use it appropriately and successfully in your writing.
A small quantity
Once we say “few,” we regularly imply a small variety of one thing. That is the commonest and simple which means of “few.”
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One to a few
When used to explain a particular quantity, “few” often means one to a few. For instance, you would possibly say “I’ve few books on my bookshelf” or “There are few individuals within the ready room.”
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Multiple, lower than many
“Few” will also be used to explain a quantity that’s a couple of, however lower than many. For instance, you would possibly say “I obtained few compliments on my new haircut” or “There have been few job openings listed within the newspaper.”
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Not a big quantity
“Few” will also be used to explain a quantity that’s not massive. For instance, you would possibly say “I’ve few {dollars} in my pocket” or “There may be few milk left within the fridge.”
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Lower than anticipated
“Few” will also be used to explain a quantity that’s lower than anticipated or desired. For instance, you would possibly say “I obtained few responses to my job utility” or “There have been few individuals on the social gathering.”
By understanding how “few” is used to explain a small quantity, you should use it appropriately and successfully in your writing.
Reverse of “many”
The alternative of “many” is “few.” That is probably the most primary and simple option to perceive the which means of “few.”
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Small quantity
“Few” means a small variety of one thing. That is the other of “many,” which implies numerous one thing. For instance, you would possibly say “I’ve few books on my bookshelf” (not many books) or “There are few individuals within the ready room” (not many individuals).
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Not sufficient
“Few” may also imply not sufficient of one thing. That is additionally the other of “many,” which might imply greater than sufficient of one thing. For instance, you would possibly say “I’ve few garments to put on” (not sufficient garments) or “There are few job alternatives on this city” (not sufficient job alternatives).
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Lower than anticipated
“Few” may also imply lower than anticipated or desired. That is additionally the other of “many,” which might imply greater than anticipated or desired. For instance, you would possibly say “I obtained few compliments on my new haircut” (lower than I anticipated) or “There have been few individuals on the social gathering” (lower than I anticipated).
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Uncommon
“Few” may also imply uncommon or unusual. That is additionally the other of “many,” which might imply widespread or frequent. For instance, you would possibly say “I’ve few alternatives to journey” (uncommon alternatives) or “There are few individuals who perceive this idea” (unusual individuals).
By understanding how “few” is used as the other of “many,” you should use it appropriately and successfully in your writing.
Could be subjective
The which means of “few” could be subjective, which means that it could range relying on the particular person or state of affairs. What is taken into account “few” to 1 particular person is probably not thought of “few” to a different particular person.
For instance, in case you are speaking a couple of group of individuals, “few” would possibly imply three or 4 individuals to 1 particular person, however it would possibly imply ten or twenty individuals to a different particular person. It’s because individuals have totally different expectations and opinions about what constitutes a “small” or “massive” quantity.
One other instance is in case you are speaking a couple of amount of one thing. “Few” would possibly imply two or three gadgets to 1 particular person, however it would possibly imply ten or twenty gadgets to a different particular person. It’s because individuals have totally different concepts about what’s a “small” or “massive” amount.
The subjectivity of “few” can generally result in misunderstandings. For instance, if you happen to inform somebody that you’ve “few associates,” they may assume that you’ve just one or two associates. Nevertheless, you would possibly even have 5 – 6 associates, which you think about to be “few.”
To keep away from misunderstandings, it is very important be clear about what you imply if you use the phrase “few.” You are able to do this by offering extra context or through the use of extra particular numbers. For instance, as a substitute of claiming “I’ve few associates,” you may say “I’ve 5 associates” or “I haven’t got many associates.”
Context-dependent
The which means of “few” will also be context-dependent, which means that it could range relying on the context during which it’s used.
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Variety of gadgets
The which means of “few” can depend upon the variety of gadgets which can be being mentioned. For instance, in case you are speaking a couple of group of individuals, “few” would possibly imply three or 4 individuals in a small group, however it would possibly imply ten or twenty individuals in a big group.
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Kind of things
The which means of “few” may also depend upon the kind of gadgets which can be being mentioned. For instance, in case you are speaking a couple of amount of cash, “few” would possibly imply two or three {dollars}, however in case you are speaking a couple of amount of time, “few” would possibly imply two or three hours.
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Expectations
The which means of “few” may also depend upon the expectations of the one that is utilizing the phrase. For instance, in case you are anticipating a big crowd at an occasion, you would possibly think about just a few dozen individuals to be “few.” Nevertheless, in case you are anticipating a small gathering, you would possibly think about just a few dozen individuals to be “many.”
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Function
The which means of “few” may also depend upon the aim of the assertion. For instance, in case you are attempting to steer somebody to do one thing, you would possibly use the phrase “few” to make it appear to be there’s not a lot effort concerned. For instance, you would possibly say “It’s going to take only a few minutes” or “You solely want just a few elements.”
By understanding how the which means of “few” can range relying on the context, you should use it appropriately and successfully in your writing and speech.
Use rigorously
As a result of the which means of “few” could be subjective and context-dependent, it is very important use it rigorously. Listed below are just a few ideas:
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Pay attention to the context
Earlier than you utilize the phrase “few,” think about the context during which you might be utilizing it. Take into consideration the variety of gadgets which can be being mentioned, the kind of gadgets, your expectations, and the aim of your assertion.
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Be clear and particular
If you’re undecided whether or not “few” is the precise phrase to make use of, it’s higher to be clear and particular. As a substitute of claiming “I’ve few associates,” you may say “I’ve 5 associates” or “I haven’t got many associates.”
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Keep away from utilizing “few” if you imply “none”
The phrase “few” shouldn’t be used to imply “none.” If you wish to say that there aren’t any gadgets, you need to use the phrase “none” as a substitute. For instance, as a substitute of claiming “I’ve few associates,” you may say “I’ve no associates.”
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Be constant
If you’re utilizing “few” to match two or extra issues, just remember to are utilizing it constantly. For instance, if you happen to say “I’ve few associates on this metropolis, however I’ve many associates in my hometown,” you might be utilizing “few” constantly to imply “not many.”
By following the following pointers, you should use the phrase “few” appropriately and successfully in your writing and speech.
FAQ
Listed below are some ceaselessly requested questions concerning the phrase “how”:
Query 1: What does “how” imply?
Reply: The phrase “how” is used to ask or describe the way, technique, or means during which one thing is finished, occurs, or exists. It will also be used to ask or describe the rationale or reason for one thing.
Query 2: How do I exploit “how” in a query?
Reply: To make use of “how” in a query, place it at the start of the query. For instance, you may ask “How do you make a cake?” or “How did the accident occur?”
Query 3: How do I exploit “how” in an announcement?
Reply: To make use of “how” in an announcement, place it earlier than the verb that describes the way, technique, or means during which one thing is finished, occurs, or exists. For instance, you may say “I do not know the best way to make a cake” or “The accident occurred due to how the motive force was dashing.”
Query 4: What are some widespread expressions that use “how”?
Reply: There are lots of widespread expressions that use “how,” similar to “how are you,” “how is it going,” “how do you do,” “how lengthy,” “how a lot,” and “what number of.”
Query 5: What are some examples of “how” in a sentence?
Reply: Listed below are some examples of “how” utilized in a sentence:
- How do you make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?
- I do not know the best way to swim.
- How lengthy will it take to get to the airport?
- How a lot does a gallon of milk value?
- How many individuals dwell on this metropolis?
Query 6: Can “how” be used to ask about somebody’s well being or well-being?
Reply: Sure, “how” can be utilized to ask about somebody’s well being or well-being. For instance, you may ask “How are you feeling?” or “How is your day going?”
These are only a few examples of the best way to use the phrase “how.” By understanding the totally different ways in which “how” can be utilized, you should use it appropriately and successfully in your writing and speech.
Now that you recognize extra concerning the phrase “how,” listed below are just a few ideas for utilizing it successfully:
Ideas
Listed below are just a few ideas for utilizing the phrase “how” successfully in your writing and speech:
Tip 1: Use “how” to ask questions.
One of the widespread methods to make use of “how” is to ask questions. For instance, you may ask “How do you make a cake?” or “How did the accident occur?” When utilizing “how” to ask a query, place it at the start of the query.
Tip 2: Use “how” to explain the way, technique, or means of one thing.
“How” will also be used to explain the way, technique, or means during which one thing is finished, occurs, or exists. For instance, you may say “I do not know the best way to make a cake” or “The accident occurred due to how the motive force was dashing.” When utilizing “how” to explain the way, technique, or means of one thing, place it earlier than the verb that describes the motion.
Tip 3: Use “how” to ask about somebody’s well being or well-being.
“How” will also be used to ask about somebody’s well being or well-being. For instance, you may ask “How are you feeling?” or “How is your day going?” When utilizing “how” to ask about somebody’s well being or well-being, place it at the start of the query.
Tip 4: Use “how” in widespread expressions.
There are lots of widespread expressions that use “how,” similar to “how are you,” “how is it going,” “how do you do,” “how lengthy,” “how a lot,” and “what number of.” When utilizing these widespread expressions, place “how” at the start of the expression.
By following the following pointers, you should use the phrase “how” appropriately and successfully in your writing and speech.
Now that you recognize extra concerning the phrase “how” and the best way to use it successfully, you’ll be able to talk extra clearly and concisely.
Conclusion
On this article, now we have explored the numerous methods to make use of the phrase “how.” We discovered that “how” can be utilized to ask questions, describe the way, technique, or means of one thing, ask about somebody’s well being or well-being, and use in widespread expressions.
By understanding the totally different ways in which “how” can be utilized, we are able to use it appropriately and successfully in our writing and speech. This may assist us to speak extra clearly and concisely.
So, subsequent time you wish to ask a query, describe one thing, or ask about somebody’s well being, bear in mind to make use of “how.” It’s a versatile phrase that can be utilized in many alternative methods to make our communication simpler.
