Few/Little
Introduction
In English, the words "few" and "little" are determiners used to express small quantities. They help convey the idea of scarcity or insufficiency and are essential in distinguishing between countable and uncountable nouns.
Usage
Countable vs. Uncountable
- Few: Used with countable nouns.
- Little: Used with uncountable nouns.
Examples
Few
- Definition: Refers to a small number of items.
- Example: "I have a few books on the shelf."
Little
- Definition: Refers to a small amount of something.
- Example: "There is little water in the bottle."
Comparison
| Determiner | Noun Type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Few | Countable Nouns | "There are few chairs in the room." |
| Little | Uncountable Nouns | "She has little time to spare." |
Additional Examples
Few
- "Few people attended the meeting."
- "I have few friends in this city."
Little
- "There is little milk in the fridge."
- "He gave me little advice."
Key Points
- Few is used with countable nouns to indicate a small number.
- Little is used with uncountable nouns to indicate a small amount.
- Both words emphasize scarcity or insufficiency.