What is the cutoff between “a few” and several?

1 points by inamesh 6y ago ↗ HN

"It will take a few weeks" vs "It will take several weeks".

Just had an argument about setting up incorrect expectations by using "a few".

Thoughts?

3 comments

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stuqqq 6y ago ↗

A few < 10

Several >= 10

Why not consult a domain expert?

I did, and that's exactly why I felt the need to ask, since there doesn't seem to be a proper definition.

It also depends on the context, as is explained in the example given for the usage of few.