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Indefinite Adjectives
While used for similar reasons, few and little have specific uses within the English language, often difficult for non-native speakers to understand. Native speakers often know because the sentences will “sound funny” with the incorrect word.
Here are some rules to follow:
FEW
- Countable, plural nouns, such as persons or things
- Rule of thumb is that few generally stands for around 3 things, while a couple is 2.
ex) Only a few of the students were ready for the exam.
LITTLE
- Non-countable, singular nouns, such as a small amount of something or slight degree
- Rule of thumb is if you can’t count the noun, use little
ex) I have little patience left before I’ll get angry.
QUICK TIP!
Often, few and little are used with the article a to indicate a different meaning - and referring to a more specific amount. For example, a few pigs, a little time, a few words, a little kindness
| A few | Few | A Little | Little |
|---|---|---|---|
| A few represents a positive quantity. It is used with plural nouns. It means some, a small amount. A few + Plural Countable Nouns | Few represents a negative quantity or shortage. It is used with plural countable nouns. It means not many, not enough. Few + Plural Countable Nouns | A little is used with positive quantity and non-countable nouns. It means "a small amount" or "some". | Little expresses a diminutive size or a negative quantity. Little means "almost nothing" or "not much". |
Examples:
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