A little and a few are two phrases that confuse many English writers. Learn the difference between the two quantifiers, then answer the two printable worksheets to check your understanding.
A Little vs. A Few
Both a little and a few are called quantifiers that mean some.
- Use a little with singular uncountable nouns.
Example: Your lasagna recipe needs a little salt.
- Use a few with plural countable nouns.
Example: I have a few extra dollars you can borrow.
Remember that a little and a few are different from little and few. Little and few have negative meanings, which is not as much as may be expected.
We can also use a little and a few as pronouns.
- Use a little when referring to singular uncountable nouns.
Example: I know a little about the life of the later princess.
- Use a few with plural countable nouns.
Example: Do you need coins? I have a few you can borrow.
A Little vs. A Few Exercise #1
Choose the correct answer.
A Little vs. A Few Exercise #2
Choose the correct answer.
A Little vs. A Few Final Word
I hope these three exercises help you master the difference between a little vs. a few. Remember:
- A little can be a quantifier or pronoun used for singular uncountable nouns
- A few can be a quantifier or pronoun used for plural countable nouns.
Do not use these phrases for singular countable nouns or when you mean to say not as much as may be expected.