QuickenBrain

A few vs. a little

Nouns and articlesRule 5 of 10

The rule

"A few" goes with countable nouns and "a little" with uncountable ones: "a few emails", "a little time". Without "a", the meaning turns negative: "few friends" means almost none. When you mean "some", keep the "a".

Wrong and right

  1. Wrong We have a few time before the meeting.

    Right We have a little time before the meeting.

  2. Wrong Can I get a little minutes of your time?

    Right Can I get a few minutes of your time?

  3. Wrong She added a few sugar to the tea.

    Right She added a little sugar to the tea.

  4. Wrong I made a little changes to the design.

    Right I made a few changes to the design.

  5. Wrong I need few minutes to finish this.

    Right I need a few minutes to finish this.