Using A few, Few, A little, Little in English

How to use A few, Few, A little, Little in English and example sentences

A few

A few represents a positive quantity. It is used with plural nouns. It means some, a small amount.

A few + Plural Countable Nouns

Examples;

• He has a few good friends so he is happy.
• There are a few books on the shelf.
• We stayed a few days in Paris and visited the Eiffel Tower.

 

Few

Few represents a negative quantity or shortage. It is used with plural countable nouns. It means not many, not enough.

Few + Plural Countable Nouns

Examples;

• I have got fewfriends in the city so I am lonely.
• They have got fewcake on the table.
• He has fewphotos on Instagram.

 

A little

A little is used with positive quantity and non-countable nouns.

It means “a small amount” or “some”.

Examples;

• There is a little milk in the refrigerator
• Would you like a little water?
• Mary got a little bit of pie.
• Can’t you discount it a little?

 

Little

Little expresses a diminutive size or a negative quantity.

Little means “almost nothing” or “not much”.

Examples;

• I’m sorry, I speak littleFrench.
• There was littletime to finish my homework.
• The kitten is little.
• I have drunk littlewater this morning.