"Few" doesn't have a specific numerical value. It refers to a small quantity, but the exact amount can vary depending on the context.
Here's a breakdown:
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Generally: "A few" typically implies a number between 2 and several. Some people might think of it as around 3, but it's not a fixed value.
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Relative: "Few" depends on what you're talking about. For example, "a few people" at a party might be 3, but "a few cookies" left in a jar might be 1 or 2.
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Context matters: Consider the expected amount. If you were expecting 50 people at a party and only 3 showed up, you'd say "only a few people came."
Here are some synonyms for "few" that might help depending on the situation:
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A couple: Usually 2, but can be used loosely for a small number more than 2.
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Several: More than "a few" but not a large amount.
I hope this clarifies how "few" is used!