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[a few] {n.}
or {adj.} A small number (of people or things); some.
The dry weather killed
most of Mother's flowers, but a few are left.
In the store, Mary saw many
pretty rings and bracelets, and she wanted to buy a few of them.
After the
party, we thought that no one would help clean up, but a few couples did.
Alice wanted to read a few pages more before she stopped.
- Usually "a few"
is different in meaning from "few", which emphasizes the negative; "a few" means
"some", but "few" means "not many".
We thought no one would come to lunch, but
a few came.
We thought many people would come to lunch, but few came.
But
sometimes "a few" is used with "only", and then it is negative.
We thought
many people would come to lunch, but only a few came.
- Sometimes used like an
adverb.
Three students have no seats; we need a few more chairs.
If we can
set up chairs faster than people come and sit in them, we will soon be a few
ahead.
- Sometimes used with "very" for emphasis.
Uncle Ralph gave away
almost all of his sea shells, but he still had a very few left.
Compare: A
LITTLE. Contrast: A LOT, QUITE A FEW.
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