A Few/Few

When we use 'a few' or 'few', the subject of our sentence should be plural, or a countable noun. Both are used to refer to small quantities of things, but, as with 'a little' and 'little', there is a subtle difference in meaning and usage between the two.

A few = some

Few = hardly any

Again, 'few' does not mean anything drastically different without the article, but it has a negative connotation. For example:

• A few friends came to see me on my birthday. We had a great time together! POSITIVE
• Few friends came to see me on my birthday. I was quite upset about that. NEGATIVE

• I like a few of that author's books. He's a great storyteller. POSITIVE
• I like few of that author's books. Most are quite dull. NEGATIVE

Like 'a little', 'a few' can also be used as a pronoun when your meaning is obvious from the context of the conversation.

• Don't eat all my sweets! Just have a few!

Like 'little', 'few' is not common without a noun unless used in a more formal context.

• Few are in favour of the new tax, and it may be scrapped.

So, in summary, 'a little' or 'a few' means a small amount of something, but enough to serve a purpose.

'Little' or 'few' also refers to a small amount, but one that is not sufficient or enough.

However, it is important to note that if little or few are used with a noun that we don't want, then it can have a positive meaning. For example:

• The event went really well. We had few problems. (We don't want problems, so having few of them is a positive thing)
• There is little crime in my area. That's why it's such a nice place to live. (We don't want crime, so having little of it is a positive thing)