A few
A few means ‘a small number of’. It is used before countable nouns.
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Do you mind waiting a few minutes? In a few years’ time we’ll be market leader. |
Few
Few (without a) means ‘not many’; it is also used before countable nouns.
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Few things respond more quickly to exchange rate changes than international travel. If there are few opportunities for promotion, young executives will tend to leave the firm. |
A little
A little means ‘a small amount’; it is used with uncountable nouns.
| I need a little time to think about your offer but I’ll phone you first thing tomorrow morning. |
A little can also mean “to some extent” when used with an adjective.
| The first half-year results were a little disappointing. |
Little
Little means ‘not much’ and is also used with uncountable nouns.
| There is little time left for discussion so let’s come to a decision straight away. |
Notes:
A few and a little tend to have positive meaning.
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You’ll get used to the climate after a few weeks. With a little help from the bank manager, the project will get off the ground. |
Few and little tend to have negative meaning.
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He seems to have little motivation for the job and should be moved to another section. Few people like their boss interfering with their work. |