Question on the quantifier 'little'

Question

Hi teachers,Could these be explanations to the quantifier 'little'? If yes how can I join the two sentences in 'a' and in 'b'?a) It refers to a very small amount of a liquid or mass. It expresses a negative idea.b) It refers to practically no amount of a liquid or mass. It expresses a negative idea.Thanks in advance

Ivanhr · Accepted Answer

Those examples are inappropriate because "little" can refer not only to substances (liquids, gases and solids) but also to abstract concepts such as courage, hope etc. Why not just say

"Little" refers to a very small amount of something.

It doesn't always carry negative connotations because sometimes/oftentimes it's good to have just little of something.

I have little to worry about. (this is certainly positive)

Tenacious Learner · Answer

IvanhrThose examples are inappropriate because "little" can refer not only to substances (liquids, gases and solids) but also to abstract concepts such as courage, hope etc.

Hi Ivanhr,
Thank you for you reply. Yes, you are right! How about if I use the auxiliary 'can' in my explanation?
a) It can refer to a very small amount of a liquid or mass. It expresses a negative idea.
b) It can refer to practically no amount of a liquid or mass. It expresses a negative idea.

The thing is my students are learning this quantifier among others just with liquids and mass nouns.

It doesn't always carry negative connotations because sometimes/oftentimes it's good to have just little of something. I have little to worry about. (this is certainly positive)
You're right once again. Eg. There's very little traffic in the street. (this is certainly positive too)

TS

Question on the quantifier 'little'

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