26. A LITTLE, A FEW, VERY LITTLE, AND VERY FEW

A little, a few, very little, very few

The expressions a little and a few mean some or enough.

The expressions (very) little and (very) few mean hardly any or not enough.

A little, a few, (very) little and (very) few are quantifiers

Study the following examples:

The rules:

Affirmative sentences:

A little, a few, (very) little and (very) few are generally used in affirmative statements, not negatives or questions.

Countable and uncountable nouns:

1. A little and (very) little are used with uncountable nouns (money, bread, water...)

2. A few and (very) few are used with countable nouns (friends, tables, teachers..)

Meaning:

1. A little and a few mean: some or enough.

2. Example:

3. "I have got a little money" = I have got some money. It's enough for me to do what I want.

4. "I have got a few friends" = I have got some or enough friends. We meet every day.

5. (Very) little and (very) few mean; hardly any or not enough.

6. Examples:

I have got (very) little money = I have got hardly any. I haven't got enough. I'll borrow some from my friend.

I have got (very) few friends = I have got hardly any. I haven't got enough. I need to make new friends.