A little

Yes

In this context, I would call "a little" an adverb (phrase).

Thank you, Clive and Ozzuri, for your replies.

ozzourtiIn this context, I would call "a little" an adverb (phrase).

If it is an adverb, then why it is preceded by the noun marker "a".

AnonymousIf it is an adverb, then why it is preceded by the noun marker "a".

I think there's no point in trying to analyze it that way. I just look at what the whole phrase is doing in the sentence, and it's doing the job of an adverb.

ozzourti AnonymousIf it is an adverb, then why it is preceded by the noun marker "a".I think there's no point in trying to analyze it that way. I just look at what the whole phrase is doing in the sentence, and it's doing the job of an adverb.

I agree that "a little" functions as an adverb in the sentence but I've got some doubts about it as a part of speech (

AnonymousI agree that "a little" functions as an adverb in the sentence but I've got some doubts about it as a part of speech (not a function element in the clause) and think that Clive is right naming it a noun.

Well, I thought you were asking about its role in that one particular sentence.

FYI. Merriam-Webster only has "a little of the pie" as an example of "little" as a noun.

CJ

Thank you, CJ, for the information.

I've also found it as a noun in The New Penguin Dictionary:

little noun 1a only a small portion or quantity; not much: We understood little of his speech; I'll do what little I can. b (a little) a small amount or portion: Have a little of this cake. 2 a short time or distance: Let's wal

CliveConsider that 'little' can be replaced in your example by other nouns.eg Carping is a lot like nagging.Carping is a bit like nagging.Carping is a great deal like nagging.Clive

Indeed, it's a good test for that.