FEW OR
A FEW, LITTLE OR A LITTLE
The difference between the two
expressions in each phrase is purely one of meaning, not of usage. Without the
article, few and little (used respectively with count nouns and non-count
nouns) have the meaning of "not much/ not many, and possibly less than one
might hope for or expect". These expressions have a negative value
to them.
With the article, a few and a little have the meaning of "at least some, perhaps more than one might expect" . These expressions have a positive value.
With the article, a few and a little have the meaning of "at least some, perhaps more than one might expect" . These expressions have a positive value.
For examples:
Few of my friends were there, so I was disappointed.
A few of my friends were there, so I was quite happy.
Hurry up; there's little time left!
We have a little time to spare, so let's stop and have a cup of coffee.
Few of my friends were there, so I was disappointed.
A few of my friends were there, so I was quite happy.
Hurry up; there's little time left!
We have a little time to spare, so let's stop and have a cup of coffee.
Related information about quantifiers:
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