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Son James Posted 13 years ago
Grammar
"a little" and "a few"
Please confirm whether the following things are true or not.
[1] "a little" and "little" are used for only uncountable nouns.
[2] "a few" and "few" are used for only countable nouns.
[3] "a little" as an adverb can modify an adjective, but "a few" can't do so.
Thank you for your answers in advance.
[1] "a little" and "little" are used for only uncountable nouns.
[2] "a few" and "few" are used for only countable nouns.
[3] "a little" as an adverb can modify an adjective, but "a few" can't do so.
Thank you for your answers in advance.
Top answer
Correct. [1] I have a little time to spend with you today ~ I have little time to waste. [2] I have a few dollars left over after shopping ~ I have few ideas that are certain to work.
- Correct.
- [1] I have a little time to spend with you today ~ I have little time to waste.
- [2] I have a few dollars left over after shopping ~ I have few ideas that are certain to work.
- The second in each of the above pairs tend to have a negative connotation.
- [3] I like her a little, but she's too talkative.
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4 Answers
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Correct.
[1] I have a little time to spend with you today ~ I have little time to waste.
[2] I have a few dollars left over after shopping ~ I have few ideas that are certain to work.
The second in each of the above pairs tend to have a negative connotation.
[3] I like her a little, but she's too talkative.
[1] I have a little time to spend with you today ~ I have little time to waste.
[2] I have a few dollars left over after shopping ~ I have few ideas that are certain to work.
The second in each of the above pairs tend to have a negative connotation.
[3] I like her a little, but she's too talkative.
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Yes, essentially.
I'd just add these points:
"Little" selects non-count singular nouns.
"A few" and "few" select count plural nouns.
"A little" is not an adverb, though in out-dated grammar it is often said to have an adverbial function. In modern grammar, as a modifier it's seen as a complex determinative functioning as an adjunct.
BillJ
I'd just add these points:
"Little" selects non-count singular nouns.
"A few" and "few" select count plural nouns.
"A little" is not an adverb, though in out-dated grammar it is often said to have an adverbial function. In modern grammar, as a modifier it's seen as a complex determinative functioning as an adjunct.
BillJ
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Sometimes I'm confused on those usages. Thank you so much for your explanations,Mr.Philip
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