A few or a little are quantifiers. We use them to talk about a small quantity of something. The main difference is simple:
- A few is used with countable nouns.
- A little is used with uncountable nouns.
Both expressions usually have a positive meaning. They suggest that there is enough of something, even if the quantity is small. We can also use “little” and “few”, but they mean something different.
A few, a little, few, and little
Use a few and few with countable nouns.
- A few = some, enough, positive meaning
- Few = not many, negative meaning
Use a little and little with uncountable nouns.
- A little = some, enough, positive meaning
- Little = not much, negative meaning
“A few” and “a little” mean there is enough. “Few” and “little” mean there is not enough.
When to Use A Few
Use a few with countable nouns. Countable nouns are things we can count individually. Examples:
- She asked a few questions.
- They visited a few countries last year.
- I need a few minutes to finish this task.
In these examples, the quantity is small but sufficient.
A Few vs. Few
A few = some, enough
I have a few friends.
(I have enough friends.)
We have a few apples left.
(Enough for what we need.)
There are a few people in the room.
(Some people are there.)
Few = not many, almost none
I have few friends.
(I don’t have enough friends.)
We have few apples left.
(We need to buy more.)
There are few people in the room.
(The room is almost empty.)
When to Use A Little
Use a little with uncountable nouns. Uncountable nouns are things we cannot count individually. Examples:
- I have a little money.
- We still have a little time.
- There is a little water left in the bottle.
In these examples, the amount is small but sufficient.
A Little vs. Little
a little = some, enough
I have a little money.
(I have some money.)
We have a little time.
(There is enough time.)
little = not much, almost none
I have little money.
(I don’t have much money.)
We have little time.
(There is almost no time.)
Little has a more negative meaning. It suggests that the amount is very small or insufficient.
Exercises on a few or a little
Mixed Exercises: AgendaWeb1 | AgendaWeb2 | AgendaWeb3 | English4U | PerfectEnglish | EnglischHilfen | GrammarBank | Ego4u1 | Ego4u2 | Ego4u3 | Ego4u4 | ToLearnEnglish | Wordwall1 | Wordwall2 | EnglishGrammar | FacileAnglais | EngBlocks