Quantity: few / a few / little / a little / a lot of

Rules

• Rule 1: a few + countable

  a few means a small number. Use it with plural countable nouns. The meaning is positive: some, enough.

  Pattern: a few + plural noun

  Example: I have a few pencils. Take one.

  Example: We stayed there for a few days.

• Rule 2: a little + uncountable

  a little means a small amount. Use it with uncountable nouns. The meaning is positive: some, enough. a little can also go before an adjective or a comparative: a little tired, a little bigger.

  Pattern: a little + uncountable noun

  Example: I have a little time. I can help you.

  Example: Add a little sugar.

• Rule 3: few / little (without a) = not enough

  Without a, the meaning is negative: almost none, not enough. We often add very: very few, very little.

  Pattern: few + countable · little + uncountable

  Example: Few people visit the museum on Mondays. It's very quiet.

  Example: There's very little food in the fridge.

• Rule 4: a lot of = lots

  a lot of works with countable and uncountable nouns. Don't forget of before the noun.

  Pattern: a lot of + any noun

  Example: She has a lot of toys.

  Example: He drinks a lot of water.

Common mistakes

• I need a little eggs. → I need a few eggs.

  eggs is countable → a few.

• Can I have a few water? → Can I have a little water?

  water is uncountable → a little.

• There are a lot books. → There are a lot of books.

  Before a noun: a lot of.