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Значение идиомы a few

[a few] {n.} or {adj.} A small number ; 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.



Newspapers and magazines топик.
Рассказ день который запомнился на английском.

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  38. Значение идиомы on the sly[on the sly] {adv. phr.} So that other people won’t know; secretly. The boys smoked on the sly. Mary’s mother did not approve oflipstick, but Mary used it on the sly....
  39. Значение идиомы about to[about to] 1. Close to; ready to. — Used with an infinitive. We were about to leave when the snow began. I haven’t gone yet, but I’m about to. Compare: GOING TO, ON THE POINT OF. 2. {informal} Having a wish or plan to. — Used with an infinitive in negative sentences. Freddy wasn’t about ... Читать далее...
  40. Значение идиомы no matter[no matter] 1. Not anything important. I wanted to see himbefore he left but it’s no matter. 2. It makes no difference;regardless of. She was going to be a singer no matter whatdifficulties she met. He had to get the car fixed no matter howmuch it cost. No matter what you try to do, it ... Читать далее...

Значение идиомы a few