Another sign that English is going to heck in a teapot.

1. A few items were left off the list.

a. Using a with a plural noun.

b. A plural noun that does not take -s: i.e., few.

c. A noun used as an adjective.

d. Also works with good many and great many.

e. In times past, used to use the partitive genitive with of.

f. I am sure grammar mavens are losing sleep over this, right now, somewhere.

Can you give us an example of e? I can't think of anything off hand. Maybe because partitive genitive leaves me bemused.

A few of the items went missing.

The genitive is usually said to be a possessive case, but it has other uses.

You know, I don't think I ever knew that this was against the (grammar) law. But now that you mention it, I do recall sometimes reading some few; what would precede good many and great many, please?

I was being sarcastic, Jackie. There's absolutely nothing wrong with saying or writing: "a great many grammar mavens are wrong" or "a few students disappeared during Spring Break". But, it's fun to get all prescriptive ad absurdum.

Ah-HA---boy, nobody can say I can't catch on to things...once I've been hit upside the head a few times with a 2 X 4, anyway. I'm not an ignor, am i?