Few vs. A Few: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 7, 2023
"Few" implies scarcity or almost none, while "A Few" suggests more than one or two but not a large number.
Key Differences
"Few" and "A Few" are quantifying terms used to describe the number of nouns, usually people or things. "Few" suggests a small number, often with a negative connotation implying not as much as may be desired; "A Few," however, while also indicating a small number, doesn't carry the same negative implication.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
In usage, "Few" often conveys a sense of insufficiency or scarcity. For instance, if someone says, "Few people attended the event," it implies disappointment. On the other hand, "A Few" is more neutral or can imply sufficiency, as in "A Few people attended the event," suggesting that the attendance, while not large, was satisfactory.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Grammatically, "Few" and "A Few" are considered quantifiers; they give information about the number of something without specifying an exact figure. "Few" tends to be more subjective and can indicate almost none, while "A Few" more objectively suggests the presence of at least some or several.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
"Few" is often used to emphasize the lack of something or a number smaller than expected, which can be relative depending on the context. Conversely, "A Few" indicates the presence of a small number or amount but doesn't emphasize the lack or scarcity; it's simply an acknowledgment of a limited number.
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
While both "Few" and "A Few" can be used in various types of sentences, their connotations differ significantly due to the presence or absence of the article "A." "Few" can suggest a problem or something lacking, while "A Few" is less likely to be received as a negative statement.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Typical Usage
To indicate a smaller number than expected or desired
To indicate the presence of some, though not many
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Contextual Implication
Often suggests insufficiency or disappointment
More objective, less emotionally charged
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
Specificity
More subjective and vague
Slightly more specific due to the presence of "A"
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
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Few and A Few Definitions
Few
Used to express the scarcity of something.
Few people know the truth about the incident.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 21, 2023
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A Few
Indicating the presence of a small group or number.
Only a few were selected for the next round.
Janet White
Oct 21, 2023
Few
Used to emphasize a small number of something.
Few options were left for us.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 21, 2023
Few
Amounting to or consisting of a small number
One of my few bad habits. See Usage Note at less.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Few
Being more than one but indefinitely small in number
Bowled a few strings.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Few
An indefinitely small number of persons or things
A few of the books have torn jackets.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Few
(preceded by another determiner) An indefinite, but usually small, number of.
There are a few cars (=some, but a relatively small number) in the street.
Quite a few people (=a significant number) were pleasantly surprised.
I think he's had a few drinks. [This usage is likely ironic.]
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Few
(used alone) Not many; a small (in comparison with another number stated or implied) but somewhat indefinite number of.
There are very few people who understand quantum theory.
I was expecting a big crowd at the party, but very few people (=almost none) turned up.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Few
Obscuring one to two oktas (eighths) of the sky.
Tonight: A few clouds. Increasing cloudiness overnight.
NOAA definition of the term "few clouds": An official sky cover classification for aviation weather observations, descriptive of a sky cover of 1/8 to 2/8. This is applied only when obscuring phenomena aloft are present--that is, not when obscuring phenomena are surface-based, such as fog.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Few
(US?) Having a 10 percent chance of measurable precipitation (0.01 inch); used interchangeably with isolated.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Few
Not many; small, limited, or confined in number; - indicating a small portion of units or individuals constituting a whole; often, by ellipsis of a noun, a few people.
Few know and fewer care.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Few
An indefinite but relatively small number;
They bought a case of beer and drank a few
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Few
A quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by `a'; a small but indefinite number;
A few weeks ago
A few more wagons than usual
An invalid's pleasures are few and far between
Few roses were still blooming
Few women have led troops in battle
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
Does "Few" always imply something negative?
Often, it implies a lack or scarcity, which can be negative depending on context.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Is "Few" used only with countable nouns?
Yes, it's used to refer to a small number of countable items.
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
Are "Few" and "A Few" interchangeable?
No, "Few" implies scarcity or insufficiency, while "A Few" is more neutral.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Is "Few" more formal than "A Few"?
Neither term is more formal; context and meaning dictate usage.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
How does "A Few" differ from "Some"?
"A Few" specifies a small number, while "Some" is more indefinite.
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
Can "A Few" mean several?
Yes, it implies more than a couple but not a large number.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Can "A Few" be used with uncountable nouns?
No, "A Few" is used with countable nouns.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Does "A Few" have a positive connotation?
It's neutral, but can be positive depending on context.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
Is "Few" comparative or absolute?
It's not comparative; it indicates a small number absolutely.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Does "Few" mean the same as "less"?
No, "Few" is for countable nouns, while "less" is for uncountable.
Janet White
Nov 07, 2023
Is "Few" a synonym for "rare"?
No, "Few" refers to number, while "rare" refers to uncommonness.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Can "A Few" be used for emphasis?
It can emphasize the presence of a limited number.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Is "Few" always followed by a plural noun?
Generally, yes, because it refers to a number of items.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 07, 2023
Can "A Few" substitute for "a small number"?
Yes, it's synonymous with "a small number."
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
Do "Few" and "A Few" have the same grammatical function?
Yes, both are quantifiers for countable nouns.
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023
Can "A Few" be used in negative sentences?
Rarely, as it typically implies the presence of some.
Janet White
Nov 07, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
