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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
To name but a few
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "to name but a few" is correct and usable in written English
You can use it when referring to a list of items, usually a list of examples that are meant to illustrate a larger group or idea. For example, "The student council is responsible for organizing events, fundraising activities, and overseeing student services, to name but a few."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
To name but a few.
News & Media
And emerald green, to name but a few.
News & Media
J. Mills canvas totes -- to name but a few.
News & Media
(Slices, shanks, and tops, to name but a few of the rascals).
News & Media
EM Forster, Vera Brittain, HG Wells and AA Milne, to name but a few.
News & Media
David Lynch, Samuel Fuller, John Cassavetes – and Woody Allen, to name but a few.
News & Media
Facundo Sava, Leandro Lázaro, Kily González and Ariel Ortega, to name but a few.
News & Media
The K.K.K. and the swastika, to name but a few, invoke fear and revulsion among millions.
News & Media
Suggestions have included Simone de Beauvoir, Hannah Arendt, Rosa Luxemburg, to name but a few".
News & Media
In Derbyshire county, Rhonda, St Thomas's to name but a few.
News & Media
Among scientists, certain attitudes, beliefs, and values have traditionally fostered virtuous behavior—hard work, perseverance, respect for others, collegiality, objectivity, and honesty, to name but a few.
Expert writing Tips
✓ Best practice
When using "to name but a few", ensure that the items you list are representative of a larger, unmentioned group. This provides context and avoids misleading the reader.
⚠ Common error
Avoid using "to name but a few" when you're actually listing all relevant items. This can create the false impression that there are more examples than you've provided.
Linguistic Context
The phrase "to name but a few" functions as a discourse marker. It signals that the speaker or writer is providing a non-exhaustive list of examples. This signals to the audience that there are additional items that could be included but are not being specified.
Expression frequency: Very common
✓ Frequent in
News & Media
59%
Science
20%
Formal & Business
1%
⚠ Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "to name but a few" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression. Ludwig AI confirms it is generally employed to signal that the listed examples are a small selection from a larger group of possibilities. It functions as a discourse marker to indicate a non-exhaustive list, most commonly appearing in news and media contexts. When using this expression, it's important to ensure that the listed items genuinely represent a broader set to avoid misleading readers. Alternatives such as "to mention a few examples" or "to list some notable cases" can offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
to mention a few examples
Emphasizes the act of mentioning specific instances.
to cite several instances
Focuses on the act of formally referencing examples.
to list some notable cases
Highlights the act of creating a list and notes the importance of the items.
to point out a couple of instances
Emphasizes the act of drawing attention to specific examples.
to highlight a handful of examples
Indicates a small number of significant examples.
as a small selection
Highlights that the following are only a few items taken from a bigger range.
More alternative expressions(6)
FAQs
How can I use "to name but a few" in a sentence?
Use "to name but a few" after listing some examples to indicate that there are more unmentioned items in the same category. For example: "The museum features paintings, sculptures, and photographs, "to name but a few"."
What are some alternatives to "to name but a few"?
Alternatives include "to mention a few examples", "to cite several instances", or "to list some notable cases", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it ever incorrect to use "to name but a few"?
Yes, it's incorrect if you are actually providing a complete list. The phrase implies there are other examples that you are not mentioning.
What's the difference between "to name a few" and "to name but a few"?
"To name a few" is a more general way of indicating that you're providing a partial list. "To name "but a few"" emphasizes the limited number of examples you are providing.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested