(A) little, (a) few

This lesson explains the difference between little / a little and few / a few. These quantifiers show small amounts, but their meaning and use depend on whether the noun is countable or uncountable and whether the speaker implies scarcity or sufficiency.

• Use little / a little with uncountable nouns (time, information, water).
• Use few / a few with countable plural nouns (employees, reports, meetings).
• 'A' + little/few usually has a positive meaning: some, enough for a purpose.
• Without 'a' (little/few) the meaning is more negative: not much, almost none.

Choose the correct form by asking two questions:

• Is the noun countable (can you make it plural)? → use a few / few.
• Is the noun uncountable (cannot be plural)? → use a little / little.
• Do you mean 'some' (enough)? → use 'a little' or 'a few'.
• Do you mean 'almost none' (scarcity)? → use 'little' or 'few' (no 'a').

Remember: 'a' makes the phrase more positive or neutral; dropping 'a' emphasizes scarcity.

Learners often make predictable errors with these quantifiers. Watch for:

• Using a few / few with uncountable nouns (incorrect: a few information).
• Using a little / little with countable plural nouns (incorrect: a little reports).
• Confusing 'a few' (some) with 'few' (not many) and reversing the intended meaning.
• Assuming both forms are interchangeable — the presence or absence of 'a' changes the tone.

Always decide: is the noun countable? Do you mean 'some' or 'almost none'?