How to use "few"

Question

Hi,In the following sentence, is "few" adjective and is "universities" omitted before "few"?Does the sentence say "few" rather than "a few" just because the writer wanted to imply "only the small number of universities relies on endowments"?Among European universities, few rely heavily on endowments.Thanks in advance.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

Anonymous is "few" an adjective and is "universities" omitted before "few"?

That's correct.

Anonymousfew rely heavily on endowments

not many rely heavily on endowments

a few rely ... = a small number rely ...
The focus is on the existence of some universities like that.

few rely ... = not many rely ...
The focus is on the rarity of universities like that.

__________________

a few is a comparison with none and one. (Not none. Not one.)

few is a comparison with many. (Not many.)

0 1 2 3 4 .................... many

X X > ...... a few .......

0 1 2 3 4 ..................... many

....... few ........ < X X X X X X X X

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Hi CalifJim,

I am sorry for the delay in my response to your comment.

My grammar book does not provide any detailed comment on this issue, so your answer is very helpful.

Thank you and have a wonderful week!

C

How to use "few"

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