Little and few carry a negative connotation of insufficiency, as in unfortunately, we have little time to finish the project, while a little and a few carry a positive or neutral connotation of a reasonable amount, as in fortunately, we still have a little time before the deadline. The article changes the whole meaning of the sentence.
Grammar Rule
Little and few carry a negative connotation of insufficiency; a little and a few carry a positive or neutral connotation of a reasonable amount.
Little/Few vs A Little/A Few: Rules and Examples
| Form | Connotation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| little / few | negative, not enough | Unfortunately, we have little time to finish the project. Few students passed the exam. |
| a little / a few | positive, some/enough | Fortunately, we still have a little time before the deadline. Luckily, a few students volunteered. |
Remember: little/few = negative, not enough; a little/a few = positive, some/enough.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below choosing correctly between little/few and a little/a few. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What connotation do little and few carry?
A negative one, expressing insufficiency, as in unfortunately, we have little time to finish the project.
What connotation do a little and a few carry?
A positive or neutral one, expressing a reasonable amount, as in fortunately, we still have a little time before the deadline.
Can changing the article change the meaning of a sentence?
Yes, adding or removing a before little or few changes the sentence from negative to positive, even though the base word stays the same.
Which form do you use to sound optimistic about an amount?
A little or a few, as in luckily, a few students volunteered.