A few vs Few: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
A few means 'a small number' and indicates a sufficient amount, while few means 'very few' and signifies an insufficient amount.
Memory Tip: a few = sufficient, few = insufficient
a few
Example:
I have a few apples in my bag, so we can share them.
few /fjuː/
pronounA small number of people or things.
Example:
Few people came to the party, so it was very quiet.
Common patterns:
few people
few things
Common Mistakes
I have few friends coming to my birthday party.
I have a few friends coming to my birthday party.
Using 'a few' indicates that there is a small but sufficient number of friends attending.
There are a few options available, so we might need more.
There are few options available, so we might need more.
Using 'few' indicates that the number of options is insufficient, which is why more might be needed.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. I have ____ apples in my bag, so we can share them.
2. ____ people came to the party, so it was very quiet.
Other Confusing Words
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