few 表示肯定意義的用法

few 與 a few 用法特點是，兩者都只用于修飾或代替復數可數名詞，其中few形式上肯定，意義上是否定的，其意為“很少”“幾乎沒有”；a few 表示肯定意義，其意為“幾個”“一些”。如：

Besides the capital, there were few major cities. 除了首都，幾乎沒有大城市。

There were a few panels missing from the fence. 柵欄上有幾根板條不見了。

但是，當few前使用了定冠詞、物主代詞或其他限定詞時，則不表否定意義。

1. 定冠詞+few

This is among the few books I really like. 這本書是我真正喜愛的書之一。

Only the few are likely to enjoy this music. 可能只有少數人會欣賞這種音樂。

John was among the few who really understood it. 約翰是少數幾個真正了解它的人之一。

He fingered the few coins in his pocket. 他用手指摸了摸他兜里的幾枚硬幣。

2. 物主代詞+few

She tied up her few belongings into a bundle. 她把自己僅有的幾件東西束成一捆。

Playing golf is one of his few enjoyments in life. 打高爾夫球是他生活中少數樂趣之一。

One of his few strengths was his skill at mimicry. 他為數不多的強項之一就是善于模仿。

3. 其了限定詞+few

Some few of the survivors are still living. 當時幸免于難的人有幾個人還活著。

Some few have emerged as peculiarly influential. 一些人脫穎而成為極有影響的人物。

There are many fewer regulations governing cosmetics. 管理化狀品的法規減肥少了許多。

注意，not a few的意思不是“很少”，而是“不少”或“相當多”，它與quite a few, a good few大致同義。如：

Not a few of my friends are vegetarian. 我朋友中不少人吃素。

There were a good few copies sold on the first day. 第一天就賣了不少許多本。