Common Mistakes in English: A Little vs. a Few, Little vs. Few
The quantifiers “a little,” “little,” “a few,” and “few” are often used interchangeably in English.
However, there is a difference based on whether the object specified is countable or uncountable. The use of the indefinite article “a” also changes the meaning of these important words.
A Little – A Few / Little – Few
A little and little refer to uncountable nouns, and are used with the singular form:
Examples:
There’s little water left in the bottle.
I’ve put a little sugar into your tea.
A few and few refer to countable nouns, and are used with the plural form:
Examples:
There are a few students in that classroom.
He says few applicants have presented themselves.
A little and a few convey a positive meaning.
Examples:
I’ve got a little water left, would you like some?
They’ve got a few positions open.
Little and few convey a negative meaning.
Examples:
He’s got little money left.
I have few friends in Chicago.