Printable Little Few Exercises - 101 PDF Worksheets with Answers
Little vs Few Printable PDF Worksheet Tests with Exercises and Answers
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The Difference Between Few and Little
In English, the words few and little are used as determiners and quantifiers to express scarcity or lack of something. While they may seem similar, they have distinct uses and are employed with different types of nouns. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the differences between few and little in various contexts, including their usage with countable and uncountable nouns, in positive and negative sentences, and in comparison to other quantities. We will also delve into how these words convey scarcity, limited availability, and insufficiency.
1. Few and Little as Determiners Expressing Scarcity or Lack
Both few and little are determiners used to indicate a scarcity or lack of something. They are used with countable and uncountable nouns, respectively, to suggest a limited quantity or number.
Example (few): "There are few chairs in the room."
Example (little): "She has little patience."
2. Few and Little as Quantifiers
As quantifiers, few and little express a small number or a small amount of something. They are used to specify the quantity or number of items.
Example (few): "There are only a few apples in the basket."
Example (little): "He has little money in his wallet."
3. Few Refers to a Small Number of People or Things
The word few is used when referring to a small number of countable nouns, such as people, objects, or things.
Example: "A few friends came to the party."
4. Little Refers to a Small Amount of Something Abstract or Uncountable
On the other hand, little is used when referring to a small amount of something that is uncountable or abstract, such as time, money, or information.
Example: "He spent little time on the task."
5. Few Is Used with Plural Countable Nouns
Few is used with plural countable nouns to indicate a limited quantity.
Example: "There are few books on the shelf."
6. Little Is Used with Uncountable Nouns
In contrast, little is used with uncountable nouns like water, time, money, etc., to denote a small or insufficient quantity.
Example: "We have little water left."
7. Too Few vs. Too Little
When something is insufficient in quantity, "too few" is used with countable nouns, and "too little" is used with uncountable nouns.
Example (countable): "There are too few tickets available."
Example (uncountable): "There is too little information on the topic."
8. Very Few vs. Very Little
"Very few" and "very little" intensify the scarcity or lack of something, emphasizing the limited quantity or amount.
Example (countable): "Very few students scored above 90%."
Example (uncountable): "There is very little hope for a quick resolution."
9. So Few vs. So Little
"So few" and "so little" convey a significant scarcity or insufficiency of something.
Example (countable): "So few candidates meet the required qualifications."
Example (uncountable): "There is so little opportunity for growth."
10. Few in Comparative Sentences
Few is used in comparative sentences to compare the scarcity of one group to another.
Example: "Few animals survived the harsh winter."
11. Little in Comparative Sentences
Similarly, little is used in comparative sentences to compare the scarcity or insufficiency of one quantity to another.
Example: "Little progress has been made in the research."
12. Few in Superlative Sentences
In superlative sentences, few is used to denote the least number or quantity.
Example: "Of all the fruits, apples have the fewest calories."
13. Little in Superlative Sentences
In contrast, little is used in superlative sentences to indicate the least amount or quantity.
Example: "She showed the littlest interest in the subject."
14. Using Few and Little in the Context of Time
When referring to time, few is used with countable units, while little is used with uncountable periods.
Example (countable): "There are few days left until the deadline."
Example (uncountable): "There is little time to prepare."
15. Using Few and Little in the Context of Money
In the context of money, few is used with a small number of separate units, and little is used with an uncountable sum.
Example (countable): "There are few dollars in his wallet."
Example (uncountable): "He has little money to spare."
16. Using Few and Little in the Context of Resources
When discussing resources, few refers to a limited number of available items, while little refers to a limited amount or quantity.
Example (countable): "There are few job opportunities in the area."
Example (uncountable): "There is little funding for the project."
17. Few and Little with Adverbs
Few and little can be combined with adverbs to intensify the scarcity or insufficiency.
Example: "There are very few options to choose from."
18. Few and Little with Adjectives
They can also be used with adjectives to describe the scarcity or insufficiency of something.
Example: "There is little effort in solving the problem."
19. Few and Little with Verbs
Few and little can be used with verbs to indicate a limited quantity or scarcity of action.
Example: "Few remain interested in the project."
20. Expressing Scarcity with Few and Little
Both few and little can convey scarcity or insufficiency, emphasizing the limited availability of something.
Example (few): "There are few job opportunities in this field."
Example (little): "There is little hope for a quick resolution."
21. Few in Comparison to Many
When comparing the scarcity of one group to the abundance of another, few is used.
Example: "I invited many, but few came."
22. Little in Comparison to Much
Similarly, when comparing the scarcity of one quantity to the abundance of another, little is used.
Example: "He expected much more, but little was delivered."
23. Few in Comparison to Little
In contrast, few is used when comparing the scarcity of one group to the limited amount of another.
Example: "Few chapters remain to be read."
24. Using Few and Little with Determiners
Determiners like "a few", "the few", "a little", and "the little" can further specify the quantity or scarcity.
Example: "A few of them attended the conference."
25. Using Few and Little with Pronouns
Pronouns can also be combined with few and little to refer to a limited number or quantity of something.
Example: "Little of it has been achieved."
26. Using Few and Little with Prepositions
Prepositions like "few of them" and "little of it" indicate a limited portion or quantity.
Example: "Few of them completed the task."
27. Few Indicating a Small Group or a Small Number of People
Few can imply a small group or a limited number of people.
Example: "A few friends came to the party."
28. Little Indicating a Small Amount of Time or Duration
On the other hand, little can indicate a small amount of time or duration.
Example: "He spent little time on the task."
29. Few Used with Plural Countable Nouns
As mentioned earlier, few is used with plural countable nouns to denote a limited quantity.
Example: "There are few books on the shelf."
30. Little Used with Uncountable Nouns
Contrarily, little is used with uncountable nouns like water, time, money, etc., to suggest a small or insufficient quantity.
Example: "We have little water left."
31. Few Implying That the Number Is Insufficient for a Specific Purpose
When few is used, it suggests that the number is not enough for a particular purpose.
Example: "Few students passed the exam."
32. Little Suggesting That the Amount Is Not Sufficient
Similarly, little suggests that the amount or quantity is insufficient for a specific purpose.
Example: "There is little time to prepare."
33. Little Refers to a Limited Availability or Access
In certain contexts, little indicates a limited availability or access to something.
Example: "There is little opportunity for growth."
34. Few Used When Talking About People or Things in Specific Groups
Few can be used when talking about people or things in specific groups.
Example: "Few animals survived the harsh winter."
35. Little Used When Referring to an Entire Category or Concept
Conversely, little can be used when referring to an entire category or concept.
Example: "Little progress has been made in the research."
36. Few Implies Exclusivity or Rarity
When few is used, it can imply exclusivity or rarity.
Example: "There are a few luxury cars on the market."
37. Little Implies Scarcity or Insufficiency
On the other hand, little implies scarcity or insufficiency.
Example: "There is little hope for a quick resolution."
38. Few Suggesting a Small Portion of a Whole
Few is used to suggest that only a small portion of a whole remains.
Example: "Few chapters remain to be read."
39. Little Suggesting a Small Part or Fraction of a Whole
On the other hand, little suggests that only a small part or fraction of a whole is present.
Example: "Little of the budget has been allocated."
40. Few Used in Positive Sentences When Emphasizing a Positive Aspect
In positive sentences, few is used when emphasizing a positive aspect despite the scarcity.
Example: "Only a few students aced the test."
41. Little Used in Positive Sentences When Emphasizing a Positive Aspect
Similarly, little is used in positive sentences when emphasizing a positive aspect despite the scarcity.
Example: "There is little doubt she will succeed."
42. Few Used in Negative Sentences to Emphasize Scarcity or Absence
In negative sentences, few is used to emphasize the scarcity or absence of something.
Example: "Few people have never been to the beach."
43. Little Used in Negative Sentences to Emphasize Scarcity or Absence
Similarly, little is used in negative sentences to emphasize the scarcity or absence of something.
Example: "There is little chance of winning."
44. Few Suggesting a Limited Number of Available Resources
When discussing resources, few refers to a limited number of available items.
Example: "There are few job opportunities in the area."
45. Little Suggesting a Limited Amount of Available Resources
On the other hand, little suggests a limited amount or quantity of available resources.
Example: "There is little funding for the project."
46. Few Used When Describing a Reduced Number Compared to a Previous State
When describing a reduction in quantity compared to a previous state, few is used.
Example: "Only a few survived the disaster."
47. Little Used When Describing a Reduced Amount Compared to a Previous State
Similarly, little is used when describing a reduction in amount compared to a previous state.
Example: "There is little hope left for a resolution."
48. Few Used When Describing a Restricted Number Due to Specific Conditions
In situations with specific conditions, few is used to describe a restricted number.
Example: "Few patients were eligible for the trial."
49. Little Used When Describing a Restricted Amount Due to Specific Conditions
Conversely, little is used when describing a restricted amount due to specific conditions.
Example: "There is little time available for explanations."
50. Few Suggesting a Small Number or Group Within a Larger Context
When used in a broader context, few suggests a small number or group within a larger set.
Example: "A few students need extra help."
51. Little Suggesting a Small Amount or Quantity Within a Larger Context
Similarly, when used in a larger context, little suggests a small amount or quantity.
Example: "There is little interest in the subject."
52. Few Used to Describe a Limited Quantity Based on a Comparison
When describing a limited quantity based on a comparison, few is employed.
Example: "She received only a few votes in the election."
53. Little Used to Describe a Limited Quantity Based on a Comparison
Likewise, when describing a limited quantity based on a comparison, little is used.
Example: "He has little knowledge of the subject."
54. Few Indicating a Decrease or Reduction in Quantity
When few is used, it indicates a decrease or reduction in quantity.
Example: "Fewer people attended the event this year."
55. Little Indicating a Decrease or Reduction in Quantity
Similarly, little indicates a decrease or reduction in quantity.
Example: "The company has little income compared to last year."
56. Few Suggesting a Small Number in Contrast to Expectations
When few is used, it suggests a small number in contrast to what was expected.
Example: "I invited many, but few came."
57. Little Suggesting a Small Quantity in Contrast to Expectations
Similarly, little suggests a small quantity in contrast to what was expected.
Example: "He expected much more, but little was delivered."
58. Few Used to Express a Preference for a Limited Number or Options
When expressing a preference for a limited number or options, few is employed.
Example: "I prefer a few close friends."
59. Little Used to Express a Preference for a Limited Amount or Choice
On the other hand, little is used to express a preference for a limited amount or choice.
Example: "She prefers little clutter in her workspace."
60. Few Indicating a Reduced Number or Quantity Due to Constraints
When there are constraints leading to a reduced number or quantity, few is used.
Example: "The exhibit features only a few paintings."
61. Little Indicating a Reduced Amount or Availability Due to Constraints
In similar circumstances with constraints, little indicates a reduced amount or availability.
Example: "There is little time to finish the task."
62. Few Suggesting a Limitation in Variety or Diversity
When there is a limitation in variety or diversity, few is employed.
Example: "There are few colors to choose from."
63. Little Suggesting a Limitation in Range or Options
On the other hand, little suggests a limitation in the range or options available.
Example: "There is little room for customization."
Conclusion:
In conclusion, few and little may appear to be interchangeable, but they have distinct uses and are employed with different types of nouns. Few is used with plural countable nouns to denote a limited quantity or number, while little is used with uncountable nouns to indicate a small or insufficient amount. These words are essential in expressing scarcity, insufficiency, and limited availability of various aspects, such as time, resources, money, and opportunities. Understanding the proper usage of few and little can greatly enhance one's communication skills and help convey information accurately and effectively.
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