Quite a Few – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever been surprised by how many people showed up to a party? Or noticed that you’ve watched quite a few episodes of a show without realizing it? In English, “quite a few” is a useful phrase that means “a fairly large number”—more than expected, but not an exact count. It’s friendly, flexible, and used every day in real conversations.
What Does “Quite a Few” Mean?
“Quite a few” means a noticeable or surprisingly large number of something countable—like people, books, mistakes, or experiences. Think of it as “more than several, but not most.” It’s always used with plural countable nouns and carries a tone of mild surprise or emphasis.
When to Use It
Use “quite a few” in casual or neutral conversations:
• When describing attendance or quantity: “Quite a few students signed up for the workshop.”
• When reflecting on experiences: “I’ve read quite a few books by her.”
• In news or storytelling: “Quite a few people reported the same issue.”
It’s common in speaking, writing, and media. Avoid it with uncountable nouns (like “water” or “advice”)—use “quite a bit of” instead.
Example Sentences
- There were quite a few mistakes in the report.
- She’s traveled to quite a few countries in Europe.
- Quite a few neighbors came to welcome the new family.
- I didn’t expect to see quite a few old friends at the reunion!
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “How was the conference?”
Jamie: “Great! Quite a few speakers were really inspiring.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t use “quite a few” with singular or uncountable nouns. It only works with plural countable things. Also, don’t confuse it with “a few,” which means a small number. “Quite a few” means more than that—enough to be noticeable.
❌ Don’t say: “I have quite a few information.” (Information is uncountable!)
✅ Do say: “I have quite a few questions.”
✅ Do say: “He’s made quite a few improvements.”
Practice Tip
Next time you notice a larger-than-expected number of something—emails, guests, songs you like—say: “There are quite a few ______.” Using it in real observations helps you master the nuance between “a few” and “quite a few.”
Final Note
Now you can use “quite a few” to express pleasant surprise or emphasis about quantity—with natural fluency. It’s a small phrase that adds texture to your English, showing you notice the world around you. Keep listening for it in shows, news, and chats. You’re not just learning words—you’re learning how people express subtle amounts. Keep going—you’ve got this!