HOW TO USE “A LITTLE, LITTLE, A FEW, FEW”

HOW TO USE “A LITTLE, LITTLE, A FEW, FEW”

Definition: We use “a/an” with several quantifiers:

a little a few a lot (of)

We also use “no article” with several:

little few lots (of)

In many situations, we can choose to use “a little or “little” (when using an uncountable noun) or “a few” or “few” (when using a plural countable noun). They have slightly different meanings. (“A lot” and “lots” aren't like this. “A lot means the same as “lots”).

When we say “a little” or “a few”, we mean a small amount, but it's enough:

For example:

John: Let's go out tonight.

Lucy: Okay. I have a little money, enough for the cinema at least.

On the other hand, “little” or “few” usually give us a different impression. These also mean a small amount, but this time the amount is almost nothing. If the noun is something that we want (like money or friends) then using “little”' or “few  means that we don't have enough:

For example:

John: Let's go out tonight.

Lucy: Sorry, I have little money. I really can't afford to go out.
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Of course, if we use 'few' or 'little' with a noun that we don't want, then it can have a positive meaning. It's good to have nearly no problems.

For example:

There have been few problems with the new system, thankfully!

Luckily, there is little crime in my town.

I'm so pleased that I have few arguments with my family.

It's great that there's been very little bad weather this month.

EXERCISES ON (A LITTLE, LITTLE, A FEW, FEW)

Direction: Choose a little / little / a few / few: 

1. I have _______ water left. There’s enough to share.

2. I have _______ good friends. I’m not lonely.

3. He has _______ education. He can’t read or write, and he can hardly count. 
4. There are _______ people she really trusts. It’s a bit sad.

5. We’ve got _______ time at the weekend. Would you like to meet?

6. Julie gave us _______ apples from her garden. Shall we share them?

7. She has _______ self-confidence. She has a lot of trouble talking to new people.

8. There are _______ women politicians in the UK. Many people think there should be more.

9. It’s a great pity, but the hospital has _______ medicine. They can’t help many people.

10. I’ve got _______ cakes to give away. Would you like one?

11. There’s _______ milk left in the fridge. It should be enough for our coffee. 
12. _______ children from this school go on to university, unfortunately.

13. Do you need information on English grammar? I have _______ books on the topic if you would like to borrow them.

14. She’s lucky. She has _______ problems.

15. London has _______ sunshine in the winter. That’s why so many British people go on holiday to sunny places!

16. There’s _______ spaghetti left in the cupboard. Shall we eat it tonight?

17. There are _______ programmes on television that I want to watch. I prefer to download a film or read a book.

18. He has _______ free time. He hardly ever even manages to call his mother! 
19. Unfortunately, I have _______ problems at the moment.

20. Are you thirsty? There’s _______ juice left in this bottle, if you’d like it.

Click here to download the full lesson explanation and doing exercises