ESL Discussion

Posted by Hala J.M on June 27, 2011 in English HELP

What is the difference between using " a few" and "few":

-I'm taking a few books with me on holiday.

-I'm taking few books with me on holiday.

Also " a little" and "little" :

Is it a matter of positive and negative meaning? I'm not sure.

Thanks

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vvquang April 17, 2013 18:05

Thank James and Anastasia, this's the first time I've heard about this information. I could not find it out in grammar books I've read before. Hope to see more tips from both of you in this forum.
This reply was deleted.
- Anastasia July 19, 2011 10:34
  
  You're welcome!
- chandra .v > Anastasia April 15, 2013 19:02
  
  got very good information.Thanks a lot
- Hala J.M > chandra .v April 17, 2013 16:16
  
  Thank you for reading ,Chandramathi v !
Anastasia July 17, 2011 10:43

It's very simple. A little and a few mean "a bit", but little and few mean "not enough". A little and little for uncountable nouns, a few and few for countable.

There are a few eggs in the fridge, we can make breakfast.
There are few eggs, we can't make breakfast.

There is a little juice, have some.
There is little juice, go and buy some.