Few vs Little: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Few" is used with countable plural nouns, while "little" is used with uncountable nouns.
Memory Tip: Few = Count items, Little = Liquid or love
few /fjuː/
pronounA small number of people or things.
Example:
I have a few apples in my bag, so we can share them at lunch.
Common patterns:
few people
few things
little /ˈlɪtəl/
pronounnot much; only a small amount
Example:
There is little milk left in the fridge, so we need to buy more.
Common patterns:
little + noun
a little + noun
Common Mistakes
There are little apples left in the basket.
There are few apples left in the basket.
Apples are countable, so 'few' is used.
I have few money left after shopping.
I have little money left after shopping.
Money is uncountable, so 'little' is used.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. I have a ____ apples in my bag, so we can share them at lunch.
2. There is ____ milk left in the fridge, so we need to buy more.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse few / little again
Practice confusing word pairs with your daily goal in the Vocab5000 app and learn them for good with a scientifically proven repetition system. Start for free now.
