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Believer Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

positive- or negative-polarity stand point?

I have two sentences below and want to ask you how you can tell somewhat clearly whether a person is telling it from a positive- or negative-polarity stand point when what I think is a negatively connotated word like "disappointed" is involved.

I am a little disappointed. (looking from a positive polarity view point?)

I am little disappointed. (looking from a negative polarity view point?)
  

Top answer

The second sentence is not natural. The little / a little dichotomy does not apply to use with adjectives. I care little about UFOs .

— Mister Micawber

  • The second sentence is not natural.
  • The little / a little dichotomy does not apply to use with adjectives.
  • I care little about UFOs .
  • = I don't care much I care a little about UFOs .
  • = I care somwhat.
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1 Answers
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The second sentence is not natural. The little / a little dichotomy does not apply to use with adjectives.

I care little about UFOs. = I don't care much
I care a little about UFOs. = I care somwhat.

I have little coffee in my cup = I don't have much (I want more)
I have a little coffee in my cup = I have some
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