a few

a few  {n.} или  {adj.}

Маленькое количество (людей или вещей); немного.

The dry weather killed most of Mother's flowers, but a few are left.

In the store, Mary saw many pretty rings and bracelets, and she wanted to buy a few of them.

After the party, we thought that no one would help clean up, but a few couples did.

Alice wanted to read a few pages more before she stopped.

- Обычно "a few" отличается значением от "few", которое подчеркивает негатив; "a few" означает "some" (немного), а "few" означает "not many" (не так много).

We thought no one would come to lunch, but a few came.

We thought many people would come to lunch, but few came.

Но иногда "a few" используется с "only", и тогда это означает отрицание.

We thought many people would come to lunch, but only a few came.

- Иногда используется как наречие.

Three students have no seats; we need a few more chairs.

If we can set up chairs faster than people come and sit in them, we will soon be a few ahead.

- Иногда используется с "very" для акцента.

Uncle Ralph gave away almost all of his sea shells, but he still had a very few left.

Ср.: A LITTLE. Прот.: A LOT, QUITE A FEW.