grammatical number - "A few" takes a singular or plural verb in present simple tense?

Does "a few" take a singular or plural verb in present simple tense?

1. A few men lifts the table.


2. A few men lift the table.


3. A few frogs jumps out of the lake.


4. A few frogs jump out of the lake.

I have searched the same question in google, but I see both answers. Which one is correct? How come "a few" is plural? Even though it refers to many, "a" makes "few" a singular, so it should take a singular verb, right?

Should I always put "a" in front of "few"? For example, are the following correct?

1. Few men lift the table.


2. Few frogs jump out of the lake.

Answer

The key is that you have men and frogs- both plural. Saying a few men is no different than saying some small number of men- which is clearly plural.

So the correct sentences are: A few men lift the table. And A few frogs jump out of the lake.

BUT, your second sentences are also grammatical- they just mean something else.

For example: Many men have tried, but few men lift the table.

Few frogs jump out of the lake- they seem to prefer to remain in it.