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)