The phrase “few” is a tough one. It might 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 take a look at the which means of “few” and use it appropriately in your writing. We’ll additionally talk about a number of the frequent errors folks make when utilizing “few” and 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 variety of meanings. Listed below are 8 necessary 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 preserving these factors in thoughts, you need to 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 folks 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 folks on the social gathering” if there was just one particular person there, as a result of that may be tiny, not few.
The phrase “few” implies that there’s some amount, however not a big amount. How a lot is “few” relies on the context. For instance, if you happen to’re speaking a few group of individuals, “few” may imply three or 4 folks. In case you’re speaking a few group of animals, “few” may imply a dozen or two.
“Few” will also be used to explain issues which are small in measurement or amount, however not tiny. For instance, you may say “There are few stars within the sky tonight” or “There are few flowers within the backyard this yr.” In these examples, “few” implies that there are some stars or flowers, however not many.
The other 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 folks 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 completely different contexts, you need to use it appropriately and successfully in your writing.
Lower than anticipated
Once we say “few,” we frequently imply a quantity that’s lower than anticipated or desired. For instance, if you happen to say “I bought few responses to my job software,” you imply that you simply bought 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 shouldn’t be sufficient or shouldn’t be what was wished or anticipated.
For instance, you may say “There have been few folks on the social gathering” if you happen to had been anticipating a big crowd. Or, you may say “I bought few compliments on my new haircut” if you happen to had been hoping for extra constructive suggestions.
The other 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 folks on the social gathering,” you imply that there have been many individuals there.
By understanding how “few” is used to specific disappointment or dissatisfaction, you need to 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, but it surely focuses on the amount or variety of one thing, somewhat than the expectation or need.
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Small quantity
“Few” can be utilized to explain a small variety of one thing. For instance, you may say “There have been few folks on the assembly” or “I’ve few mates on this metropolis.”
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Not a big quantity
“Few” will also be used to explain a amount that’s not giant. For instance, you may 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 may say “I bought 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 may 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 need to use it appropriately and successfully in your writing.
A small quantity
Once we say “few,” we frequently imply a small variety of one thing. That is the most typical 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 may say “I’ve few books on my bookshelf” or “There are few folks within the ready room.”
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Multiple, lower than many
“Few” will also be used to explain a quantity that’s multiple, however lower than many. For instance, you may say “I bought 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 giant. For instance, you may 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 may say “I bought few responses to my job software” or “There have been few folks on the social gathering.”
By understanding how “few” is used to explain a small quantity, you need to use it appropriately and successfully in your writing.
Reverse of “many”
The other of “many” is “few.” That is probably the most fundamental and simple method to perceive the which means of “few.”
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Small quantity
“Few” means a small variety of one thing. That is the alternative of “many,” which suggests numerous one thing. For instance, you may say “I’ve few books on my bookshelf” (not many books) or “There are few folks 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 alternative of “many,” which may imply greater than sufficient of one thing. For instance, you may 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 alternative of “many,” which may imply greater than anticipated or desired. For instance, you may say “I bought few compliments on my new haircut” (lower than I anticipated) or “There have been few folks on the social gathering” (lower than I anticipated).
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Uncommon
“Few” may also imply uncommon or unusual. That is additionally the alternative of “many,” which may imply frequent or frequent. For instance, you may say “I’ve few alternatives to journey” (uncommon alternatives) or “There are few individuals who perceive this idea” (unusual folks).
By understanding how “few” is used as the alternative of “many,” you need to use it appropriately and successfully in your writing.
Could be subjective
The which means of “few” might be subjective, which means that it could possibly range relying on the particular person or state of affairs. What is taken into account “few” to 1 particular person will not be thought-about “few” to a different particular person.
For instance, if you’re speaking a few group of individuals, “few” may imply three or 4 folks to 1 particular person, but it surely may imply ten or twenty folks to a different particular person. It’s because folks have completely different expectations and opinions about what constitutes a “small” or “giant” quantity.
One other instance is if you’re speaking a few amount of one thing. “Few” may imply two or three gadgets to 1 particular person, but it surely may imply ten or twenty gadgets to a different particular person. It’s because folks have completely different concepts about what’s a “small” or “giant” amount.
The subjectivity of “few” can typically result in misunderstandings. For instance, if you happen to inform somebody that you’ve “few mates,” they could assume that you’ve just one or two mates. Nevertheless, you may even have 5 – 6 mates, which you think about to be “few.”
To keep away from misunderstandings, you will need to be clear about what you imply once 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 mates,” you might say “I’ve 5 mates” or “I haven’t got many mates.”
Context-dependent
The which means of “few” will also be context-dependent, which means that it could possibly range relying on the context through which it’s used.
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Variety of gadgets
The which means of “few” can rely on the variety of gadgets which are being mentioned. For instance, if you’re speaking a few group of individuals, “few” may imply three or 4 folks in a small group, but it surely may imply ten or twenty folks in a big group.
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Kind of things
The which means of “few” may also rely on the kind of gadgets which are being mentioned. For instance, if you’re speaking a few amount of cash, “few” may imply two or three {dollars}, however if you’re speaking a few amount of time, “few” may imply two or three hours.
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Expectations
The which means of “few” may also rely on the expectations of the one that is utilizing the phrase. For instance, if you’re anticipating a big crowd at an occasion, you may think about a number of dozen folks to be “few.” Nevertheless, if you’re anticipating a small gathering, you may think about a number of dozen folks to be “many.”
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Function
The which means of “few” may also rely on the aim of the assertion. For instance, if you’re making an attempt to steer somebody to do one thing, you may use the phrase “few” to make it appear to be there’s not a lot effort concerned. For instance, you may say “It would take just some minutes” or “You solely want a number of substances.”
By understanding how the which means of “few” can range relying on the context, you need to use it appropriately and successfully in your writing and speech.
Use rigorously
As a result of the which means of “few” might be subjective and context-dependent, you will need to use it rigorously. Listed below are a number of ideas:
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Pay attention to the context
Earlier than you utilize the phrase “few,” think about the context through which you’re utilizing it. Take into consideration the variety of gadgets which are being mentioned, the kind of gadgets, your expectations, and the aim of your assertion.
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Be clear and particular
In case you are unsure whether or not “few” is the best phrase to make use of, it’s higher to be clear and particular. As an alternative of claiming “I’ve few mates,” you might say “I’ve 5 mates” or “I haven’t got many mates.”
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Keep away from utilizing “few” once 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 must use the phrase “none” as a substitute. For instance, as a substitute of claiming “I’ve few mates,” you might say “I’ve no mates.”
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Be constant
In case you are 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 mates on this metropolis, however I’ve many mates in my hometown,” you’re utilizing “few” constantly to imply “not many.”
By following the following pointers, you need to use the phrase “few” appropriately and successfully in your writing and speech.
FAQ
Listed below are some incessantly requested questions in regards to the phrase “how”:
Query 1: What does “how” imply?
Reply: The phrase “how” is used to ask or describe the way, technique, or approach through which one thing is completed, occurs, or exists. It will also be used to ask or describe the rationale or reason behind one thing.
Query 2: How do I take advantage of “how” in a query?
Reply: To make use of “how” in a query, place it originally of the query. For instance, you might ask “How do you make a cake?” or “How did the accident occur?”
Query 3: How do I take advantage of “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 approach through which one thing is completed, occurs, or exists. For instance, you might say “I do not know make a cake” or “The accident occurred due to how the motive force was rushing.”
Query 4: What are some frequent expressions that use “how”?
Reply: There are a lot of frequent expressions that use “how,” comparable 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 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 might ask “How are you feeling?” or “How is your day going?”
These are just some examples of use the phrase “how.” By understanding the completely different ways in which “how” can be utilized, you need to use it appropriately and successfully in your writing and speech.
Now that you understand extra in regards to the phrase “how,” listed here are a number of ideas for utilizing it successfully:
Ideas
Listed below are a number of ideas for utilizing the phrase “how” successfully in your writing and speech:
Tip 1: Use “how” to ask questions.
Probably the most frequent methods to make use of “how” is to ask questions. For instance, you might ask “How do you make a cake?” or “How did the accident occur?” When utilizing “how” to ask a query, place it originally of the query.
Tip 2: Use “how” to explain the way, technique, or approach of one thing.
“How” will also be used to explain the way, technique, or approach through which one thing is completed, occurs, or exists. For instance, you might say “I do not know make a cake” or “The accident occurred due to how the motive force was rushing.” When utilizing “how” to explain the way, technique, or approach 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 might 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 originally of the query.
Tip 4: Use “how” in frequent expressions.
There are a lot of frequent expressions that use “how,” comparable to “how are you,” “how is it going,” “how do you do,” “how lengthy,” “how a lot,” and “what number of.” When utilizing these frequent expressions, place “how” originally of the expression.
By following the following pointers, you need to use the phrase “how” appropriately and successfully in your writing and speech.
Now that you understand extra in regards to the phrase “how” and use it successfully, you’ll be able to talk extra clearly and concisely.
Conclusion
On this article, we’ve 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 approach of one thing, ask about somebody’s well being or well-being, and use in frequent expressions.
By understanding the completely different ways in which “how” can be utilized, we are able to use it appropriately and successfully in our writing and speech. It will 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, keep in mind to make use of “how.” It’s a versatile phrase that can be utilized in many various methods to make our communication simpler.
