Quantifiers: (A) Few / (A) Little

• A few and few are used with countable nouns (things you can count individually, e.g., books, friends, cars).
• A little and little are used with uncountable nouns (things you cannot count one by one, e.g., water, time, money).

The difference between these pairs is subtle but important: the inclusion of the article “a” often gives a positive, sufficient meaning, whereas omitting it can have a negative nuance, suggesting a shortage.

1. Using “A few” vs “Few” (Countable Nouns)

A. “A few”

A few is used with countable nouns when you mean “some” or “several” in a positive sense. It suggests that there is an adequate number.

Examples:

1. She has a few close friends.
2. I bought a few books at the sale.
3. There are a few cars in the parking lot.
4. He picked a few apples from the tree.
5. We played a few games after school.
6. They brought a few extra bags.
7. I took a few photos during our trip.
8. She sang a few songs at the event.
9. He wore a few different pairs of shoes.
10. The artist used a few bright colors in the painting.

B. “Few”

Few is also used with countable nouns, but it carries a negative meaning. It implies “not many” and suggests that the number is smaller than expected or insufficient.

Examples:

1. Few students attended the lecture.
2. There are few books on that subject in the library.
3. Few cars were parked on the street.
4. I saw few apples on the tree this season.
5. He played few games because he was injured.
6. Few children brought their backpacks.
7. Few people took photos at the event.
8. The band received few compliments on their performance.
9. There are few sneakers left in the store.
10. Few colors were used in the minimalist design.

2. Using “A little” vs “Little” (Uncountable Nouns)

A. “A little”

A little is used with uncountable nouns to indicate a small amount in a positive or sufficient way. It means “some” or “a modest amount.”

Examples:

1. There is a little milk left in the fridge.
2. I have a little free time this afternoon.
3. She saved a little money from her paycheck.
4. We need a little rice for the recipe.
5. There is a little information on that topic.
6. There is a little sunlight in the room.
7. I need a little quiet to concentrate.
8. They have a little data to analyze.
9. There is a little fresh air coming in.
10. I got a little advice from my teacher.

B. “Little”

Little is used with uncountable nouns to express a small amount in a negative sense—suggesting that the quantity is insufficient or less than expected.

Examples:

1. There is little water left in the bottle.
2. I have little time to finish this work.
3. He has little money after paying the bills.
4. There is little rice remaining in the pantry.
5. There is little information available on this topic.
6. There is little sunlight during winter days.
7. I have little interest in that song.
8. The report shows little improvement in sales.
9. There is little fresh air in the crowded room.
10. He offered little advice on the matter.

3. Using “A few”/”Few” and “A little”/”Little” in Questions and Negatives

While a few and a little are generally used in positive sentences to indicate a sufficient quantity, their counterparts (few and little) are used in negative contexts or questions to express an insufficient amount.

A. Questions

• How many friends do you have? (Instead of “How a few friends…”)
• How much water do you need? (Instead of “How a little water…”)

B. Negative Sentences

• I don’t have many books. (Using “few” in a negative context: “I have few books” means not many, which can imply disappointment.)
• She doesn’t have much free time. (Using “little” in a negative context: “She has little free time” suggests not enough time.)

Tip: For clear and formal questions or negatives, “how many” and “how much” are preferred. Save a few and a little (or their counterparts) for positive, informal statements.

4. Common Mistakes and Helpful Tips

• Do not use a few with uncountable nouns. Use a little instead. (e.g., “a little water” not “a few water”)
• Do not use few with uncountable nouns. Use little instead. (e.g., “little time” not “few time”)
• Use a few with countable nouns to indicate a positive number (e.g., “a few friends” means some friends, which is generally good).
• Use few with countable nouns when you want to emphasize that the number is less than expected (e.g., “few students attended” implies not many attended).
• Use a little with uncountable nouns to show a sufficient small amount (e.g., “a little milk” suggests there is enough milk).
• Use little with uncountable nouns to express scarcity (e.g., “little hope” implies not much hope, often with a negative tone).
• Practice by writing sentences with each quantifier. For example:
  • “I have a few ideas for the project.”
  • “There are few opportunities for advancement.”
  • “She has a little time before the meeting.”
  • “We have little information about the event.”