BEST TIP: HOW TO USE QUANTIFIERS WORDS IN ENGLISH
Do you ever get lost on when to use the words “little,” “a little,” “a few,” and “few”? These are all quantifiers—words that indicate the quantity of something—but how they are used varies greatly depending on the sentence’s context. Follow along to learn how to use these words effectively in your writing and conversations.
This article would help you to understand the difference between these terms and help you learn how to use then in your daily english language.
‘LITTLE’ and ‘A LITTLE’
First, let’s look at “little” and “a little.” These two quantifiers are used to describe a small amount of something with uncountable nouns. However, does it alter the sentence’s meaning if the article “a” is placed before “little”? It does, indeed.
The primary distinction lies in the usage of “little” in negative and “a little” in positive sentences
For instance,
HOW TO USE QUANTIFIERS WORDS IN ENGLISH
I apologize, but I know little about mathematics (negative sentence)
I have a little knowledge about mathematics, let me enlighten you.(positive sentence)
In the first sentence, the individual implies that, despite the fact that they know what the topic is , they have very little knowledge about it and will not be of any use in that particular setting. However, the person’s a little bit knowledge of mathematics is implied in the second sentence, which is advantageous for the context described in the sentence.
Here’s another illustration:
We have little water left for the journey. (There was not enough water for the journey.)
We have a little water still left for the journey. (They had some amount of water for the journey.)
Therefore, when we use the word “a little” in a sentence, we mean “some” or “a small amount.” However, when we use the word “little,” we mean “almost nothing” or “not so much.”
HOW TO USE QUANTIFIERS WORDS IN ENGLISH
‘ FEW’ and ‘A FEW’
The terms “a few” and “few” can also be used to describe a small amount of something. In contrast to “a little” and “little,” countable nouns are used with them. This will become clearer to you as you look at the example that follows.
I only have few candies left for the children. ( There are not enough candies for the children)
I have a few candies left for the children. ( There are still some candies for the children)
The first sentence has a negative connotation, suggesting that there are insufficient candies. However, the article “a” preceding the word “few” made all the difference in the following sentence. It changed the meaning to “having enough candies” instead of “having almost no candies.”
HOW TO USE QUANTIFIERS WORDS IN ENGLISH
Let’s take another example:
There were few eggs available at the shop, so I had to go somewhere else. ( There were not enough eggs as required)
I have a few eggs in the fridge, let me make you an omelette. ( There were some eggs to use)
Here are some other examples making comparison among these terms:-
HOW TO USE QUANTIFIERS WORDS IN ENGLISH
‘A FEW’
I have a few friends.
He has a few good friends so he is happy.
There are a few books on the shelf.
We stayed a few days in Paris and visited the Eiffel Tower.
‘FEW’
I have few friends.
I have got few friends in the city so I am lonely.
They have got few cake on the table.
He has few photos on Instagram.
‘A LITTLE’
There is a little milk in the refrigerator
Would you like a little water?
Mary got a little bit of pie.
Can’t you discount it a little?
HOW TO USE QUANTIFIERS WORDS IN ENGLISH
‘LITTLE’
I’m sorry, I speak little French.
There was little time to finish my homework.
The kitteen is little.
I have drunk little water this morning
For English learners, the words “little,” “a little,” “few,” and “a few” can be difficult to understand. However, understanding their differences is essential for effective English communication. You can learn to use them effectively and confidently in conversations with practice and patience.
Thanks for reading
HOW TO USE QUANTIFIERS WORDS IN ENGLISH
HOW TO USE QUANTIFIERS WORDS IN ENGLISH