Little vs A Little: Understanding the Difference
The expressions little and a little may appear similar, but they have different meanings. In this blog post, we will explore the nuances between these expressions to help clarify their proper use.
Little: Not Much
Little is used with uncountable nouns to mean 'not much':
✅ He has little interest in football. (His interest in football is minimal.)
✅ There's little milk left in the fridge, so we can't make a big batch of pancakes. (The small amount of milk makes it impossible to make a big batch of pancakes.)
✅ She found little comfort in the words that were meant to encourage her. (The comfort was inadequate.)
✅ We have little time to get to the airport, so we must hurry. (The time is insufficient and there is a sense of urgency.)
A Little: Some
A little is used with uncountable nouns to mean 'some' or 'a small amount':
✅ I have a little experience with graphic design, so I can help with the project. (I have enough experience to be of some help.)
✅ Can you spare a little time to help me? (A brief moment is sufficient.)
✅ She spoke a little French, which came in handy on the trip to Paris. (Her knowledge, while not extensive, was useful.)
✅ Adding a little salt can enhance the flavour of the noodle dish. (A small amount is enough to make a difference.)
Special Note on Only a Little
When using only with little, always include the article a. The correct phrase is only a little, indicating a limited amount:
✅ We have only a little sugar left, so we can't bake a large cake.
❌ We have only little sugar left, so we can't bake a large cake.
✅ There's only a little time before the movie starts, so let's hurry.
❌ There's only little time before the movie starts, so let's hurry.
✅ I could give him only a little advice since I'm not an expert on the topic.
❌ I could give him only little advice since I'm not an expert on the topic.
✅ She was able to save only a little money last month.
❌ She was able to save only little money last month.
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In Summary, little means 'not much', while a little means 'some'.
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Examples from the Media
As we move toward the next decade, there is little doubt Toronto 2030 will need many more of the low-wage earners who have proved indispensable during the pandemic. —Toronto Star (2020)
The Chinese territory of Hong Kong and the South London enclave of Sutton are 6,000 miles apart, a 12-hour flight away and seemingly have little in common. —Daily Mail (2023)
But after a little experience, you start recognizing bad and dangerous driving around you. —The Washington Post (2016)
"Inevitably, a new timetable takes a little time for people to get used to," Mr Graham said. —The Sydney Morning Herald (2004)
Practice
Fill in each blank with either little or a little.
1. I have ______ bit of sugar left, enough to make one batch of cookies.
2. We have ______ sugar left, so we must use it sparingly.
3. We only have ______ sugar left, so we might need to buy more to bake the cake.
4. There's ______ hope of finding the lost earrings now; it's been too long.
5. She showed ______ interest in the science project, preferring to draw instead.
6. If you save just ______ money each month, it will add up over time.
7. He had ______ patience for delays and insisted on prompt action.
8. With ______ effort, we can clean up this park in no time.
9. I know ______ Japanese, so I was able to ask for directions in Japan.
10. The garden received ______ sunlight, which made it difficult for flowers to bloom.
11. There's ______ room for error in this intricate piece of machinery.
12. After the long journey, there was ______ energy left in them to celebrate.
13. The baby drank only ______ milk before falling asleep again.
14. We've got ______ time before the movie starts, so let's get some popcorn.
15. Tina speaks ______ Cantonese, so she was able to order food at the café.
16. Jenny speaks ______ Cantonese, so she was unable to ask for directions.
Answer Key
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