What's the difference between 'few', 'a few', 'little' and 'a little' in English? Well, remember that they are quantifiers which mean 'some'. However, 'little' and 'few' have a more negative meaning. Little is used with uncountable nouns but few is used with plural countable nouns.
"I have little time to study English."
Examples with negative meanings:
- Alex had little time to see his friends.
- Lindsay has little money to spend on books.
- Andy had few moments alone at work.
- I had few friends growing up.
Example with positive meanings:
- We have a little money, let's go out for dinner!
- They have a little time, let's ask them over for drinks.
- Lindsay spends a little money every week on her cat.
- Alex has a few days to spend with his family.
- She enjoys a few moments everyday contemplating.
Listen to a few examples for more practice.
Now try the quiz to see if you know the difference.
Is it 'few', 'a few', 'little' or 'a little'?
- Jamie wasn't happy about the situation but he had _______ choice.
little
- _____ cities are as beautiful as Edinburgh.
Few
- Lindsay began to tell us ______ about her life in Scotland.
a little
- Don't take all the chocolates Alex! Just take _____.
a few
