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Expressing small quantities and the difference between positive and negative meanings.
Little, a little, few and a few express small quantities.
The correct choice depends on whether the noun is countable or uncountable and on the intended meaning.
Little is used with uncountable nouns and usually has a negative meaning.
It suggests that the amount is insufficient or less than expected.
A little is used with uncountable nouns and has a positive meaning.
It indicates that there is a small but sufficient amount.
Few is used with plural countable nouns and usually has a negative meaning.
It suggests that the number is smaller than desired or expected.
A few is used with plural countable nouns and has a positive meaning.
It indicates that there are enough people or things for the situation.
Use few and a few with plural countable nouns, and little and a little with uncountable nouns.
Choosing the correct pair depends entirely on the noun type.
The article a changes the meaning from negative to positive.
Compare I have little time with I have a little time.
Very may strengthen the meaning of few and little.
Examples include very few opportunities and very little information.
Quite a few and quite a little often mean a surprisingly large amount rather than a small one.
Their meaning differs from the literal interpretation of the individual words.
These quantifiers occur in both spoken and written English, although alternatives such as not many and not much are common in conversation.
Register influences which expression sounds most natural.
Little and few appear in many idiomatic expressions.
Examples include little by little, every few days and few if any.
Choose the correct quantifier according to noun type and intended meaning.
Common mistakes include confusing little with a little, few with a few and using little with countable nouns or few with uncountable nouns.