 Topic: Few and Little
8 Jan 2002 |
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 (A) few and (a) little are used to describe a "small" amount of both plural and singular nouns. |
 We use few with plural nouns, and little with singular (uncountable) nouns. Compare:
Few politicians are really honest.
I have little interest in politics. |
 There is a difference between a few and few,
and between little and a little. Few and little are rather negative: they mean "not much/many".
A few and a little are positive: their meaning is more like "some". |
Compare:
His ideas are very difficult, and few people understand them.
( = not many people or hardly any people)
His ideas are very difficult, but a few people understand them.
( = some people- better than nothing)
Cacti need little water.
Give the roses a little water every day. |
 Few and little (without a) are rather formal. In conversation,
we prefer not many, not much, only a few , or only a little. |
 Only a few people speak English perfectly.
Come on! We haven't got much time! |
| Practice: Few/ Little/A Few/ A Little |
 1. I would like to lose ______ pounds before my next birthday. |
| |
few |
a few |
little |
a little |
| 2. She needed _______ help from her parents with her financial situation. |
| |
few |
a few |
little |
a little |
| 3. ______ bit of fun can't hurt anybody. |
| |
Few |
A few |
Little |
A little |
| 4. John is ______ years older than I am. |
| |
few |
a few |
little |
a little |
| 5. We have only got _______ bottles left. That won't be enough for everyone. |
| |
few |
a few |
little |
a little |
| 6. This soup needs _____ more salt. |
| |
few |
a few |
little |
a little |
| 7. He is in a serious condition. ______ can be done to help him. |
| |
Few |
A few |
Little |
A little |
| 8. I am busy and have ______ time to see you. |
| |
few |
a few |
little |
a little |
|
Correct Answers |
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