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a few

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ə ˈfjuː/

a few means: Some, but not many; used before a plural noun for things you can count.

determiner

SMALL NUMBERA1

Some, but not many; used before a plural noun for things you can count.

  • I have a few friends here.
  • We bought a few apples yesterday.
  • Can I ask a few questions?

How to use it: a few + plural countable noun (We stayed for a few nights.); a few of + determiner/pronoun (A few of my friends live nearby.)

Similar words: some, several

Common phrases: a few days, a few people, a few questions

pronoun

SMALL NUMBERA2

A small number of people or things already mentioned or understood.

  • I need some eggs; a few will do.
  • Most guests left, but a few stayed.
  • Did you buy any postcards? I bought a few.

Similar words: some, several

Common phrases: only a few, just a few, quite a few

Questions about a few

What does a few mean?

Some, but not many; used before a plural noun for things you can count.

What is a few in other languages?

Türkçe: birkaç · Español: unos pocos · Français: quelques · Deutsch: ein paar · Italiano: alcuni · 日本語: いくつかの

How do you pronounce a few?

It is pronounced /ə ˈfjuː/.

How do you use a few in a sentence?

I have a few friends here. We bought a few apples yesterday.

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a few in other languages

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