作者名称 国旗国籍

Lyss

EN

ES

2021.04.19 18:08

LITTLE vs A LITTLE

They are both quantifiers that are used

with *singular* uncountable nouns.

“A little” ~ means ~ “some” or “a small amount.” It has a positive meaning.

“Little” ~ means ~ “hardly any” or “not much.” It has a negative meaning.

The same applies to “a few” and “few.” These two, however, are used with *plural* uncountable nouns.

Examples:

-“I speak a little French.” (Meaning: I know how to speak some French)

-“I speak little French.” (Meaning: I don’t know how to speak much French)

-“I have a few things to do.” (Meaning: I have some things to do)

-“There are few things to do around here.” (Meaning: There is not much to do around here)
58 4

Download the HelloTalk app to join the conversation.

Comments

  • F e l i x 2021.04.19 18:27

    EN
    PT

    Don't those translate literally to Spanish?
  • Shine 2021.04.19 19:52

    ES
    EN

    And what’s the difference between few and a few??
  • Lyss 2021.04.19 22:03

    EN
    ES

    @F e l i x Yes I believe so
  • Lyss 2021.04.19 22:08

    EN
    ES

    @Shine “a few” is like “a little,” and “few” is like “little.” “Little” and “a little” are used with singular nouns. “Few” and “a few” are used with plural nouns. So, “few” means “hardly any” or “not many.” “A few” means “some” or “a small amount.”

Open HelloTalk to join the conversation