| 1. Countable and uncountable |
To use the expressions of quantity correctly,
you need to understand the difference between countable and uncountable nouns.
We can say: three cups, two girls, ten pounds: we can count them.
We cannot say: two waters, three musics, one money: we cannot count them. |
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| 2. A few - a little |
A few is used with countable nouns:
- There are a few biscuits in the tin.
- My bus goes in a few minutes |
A little is used with uncountable nouns:
- There's a little whisky left. Help yourself.
- There is a little sunshine. |
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| 3. Few and little with(out) a |
WITH A the meaning is positive:
- He spoke a little English,
so we could talk to him.
- A few customers have come into the shop,
it has been quite busy. |
WITHOUT A the meaning is negative:
- He spoke little English,
it was difficult to talk to him.
- Few customers have come into the shop,
it has been quiet. |