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Anonymous Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

"Few of" vs "Few"

What is the difference between "few of" and "few" or "a few of" and "a few"?

I already understand the difference between "a few" and "few," but when "of" is added I do not understand the difference.

Few students are going to the lecture.

Few of the students are going to the lecture.

or

I need to pick up a few things from the office.

I need to pick up a few of the things from the office.

Thanks!
  

Top answer

If of the is used, the reference is to specific students or things which were previously referenced in the conversation. Few students (among all students, we don't care which students) are going to the lecture. When you get to the lecture you won't see many students there.

— CalifJim

  • If of the is used, the reference is to specific students or things which were previously referenced in the conversation.
  • Few students (among all students, we don't care which students) are going to the lecture.
  • When you get to the lecture you won't see many students there.
  • It's just a matter of counting all students at the lecture.
  • Few of the students (few students among those students we were talking about; we know which group of students we're talking about) are going to the lecture.
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1 Answers
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If of the is used, the reference is to specific students or things which were previously referenced in the conversation.

Few students (among all students, we don't care which students) are going to the lecture. When you get to the lecture you won't see many students there. It's just a matter of counting all students at the lecture.

Few of the s
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