a few days
/ə fjuː deɪz/
Meaning
This phrase refers to a small, indefinite number of days, typically between three and five. It is used when you do not need to specify the exact number of days. It is very common in both spoken and written English to talk about short periods of time.
Examples
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I'm going to be out of town for a few days next week.
I'm going to be out of town for a few days next week.
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Can you give me a few days to think about your offer?
Can you give me a few days to think about your offer?
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It took a few days for the package to arrive.
It took a few days for the package to arrive.
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We met a few days ago at the local coffee shop.
We met a few days ago at the local coffee shop.
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She plans to stay with her parents for a few days.
She plans to stay with her parents for a few days.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I will visit you in few days.
✓ I will visit you in a few days.
Learners often forget the article 'a'. Without 'a', 'few days' sounds negative, meaning 'almost no days,' whereas 'a few days' means a small positive number of days.
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✗ The project will take a few day.
✓ The project will take a few days.
The phrase 'a few' must always be followed by a plural countable noun, so 'days' must end with an 's'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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I need ___ to finish reading this book.
💡 A small number of days (around 3 or 4).
Show answer
a few days
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They left for vacation ___ ago.
💡 A short time in the past.
Show answer
a few days