When it comes to “a little” and “a few,” they are determiners that are placed before a noun. Specifically, they are quantifiers that describe a small quantity or amount of something.
“a few” is used to describe a small quantity of a countable noun, while “a little” is used to describe a small quantity of an uncountable noun.
Let’s take a closer look at each one.
“a few”
Form: “a few” + countable noun in the plural form
Use: to describe a small quantity of a countable noun.
Examples: There are a few peas.
There are a few raspberries.
There are a few peaches.
“a little”
Form: “a little” + uncountable noun
(Uncountable nouns are always in the singular form.)
Use: to describe a small quantity of an uncountable noun.
There is a little pasta.
There is a little soup.
There is a little sugar.
What are countable and uncountable nouns?
See my lesson on countable and uncountable nouns for more information.
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