Few vs. Little

Attribute	Few	Little
Definition	Not many; a small number of	Not much; a small amount of
Usage	Used with countable nouns	Used with uncountable nouns
Comparison	Comparative form is "fewer"	Comparative form is "less"
Emphasis	Emphasizes quantity	Emphasizes amount

Definition

Both "few" and "little" are quantifiers used to indicate a small amount or number of something. However, they are used in different contexts and have slightly different meanings. "Few" is used with countable nouns, while "little" is used with uncountable nouns. For example, you would say "few apples" but "little water."

Usage

When using "few," you are referring to a small number of something. It implies a sense of scarcity or insufficiency. For example, "There are few people at the party." On the other hand, "little" is used to indicate a small amount of something. It suggests a lack or shortage. For example, "There is little sugar left in the jar."

Comparison

One key difference between "few" and "little" is that "few" is used with countable nouns, while "little" is used with uncountable nouns. This means that you can count the items referred to by "few," such as "few books" or "few friends." On the other hand, with "little," you are referring to something that cannot be counted, such as "little time" or "little money."

Meaning

Another difference between "few" and "little" is the connotation they carry. "Few" often implies a sense of exclusivity or selectiveness. When you say "few people," it suggests that only a small number of people are included. On the other hand, "little" conveys a sense of scarcity or inadequacy. Saying "little water" implies that there is not enough water available.

Examples

• "Few students attended the lecture." (countable noun)
• "There is little milk in the fridge." (uncountable noun)
• "She has few friends she can rely on." (countable noun)
• "He has little patience for incompetence." (uncountable noun)

Usage in Context

Understanding when to use "few" and "little" correctly can greatly impact the clarity and precision of your communication. Using the wrong term can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. For example, saying "There are little people at the event" would be incorrect because "people" is a countable noun and should be paired with "few" instead.

Summary

In summary, "few" and "little" are both quantifiers used to indicate a small amount or number of something. "Few" is used with countable nouns and implies scarcity or selectiveness, while "little" is used with uncountable nouns and suggests a lack or shortage. Understanding the differences between these two terms can help you communicate more effectively and accurately in English.