Understanding "Few": Usage, Meaning, and Examples

Introduction

The word "few" is a crucial quantifier in English that often causes confusion among learners. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to using "few" correctly, explaining its meaning, proper usage, and how it differs from similar terms like "a few" and "little".

Definition of "Few"

• Meaning: Indicates a small number of countable items, with a negative connotation (suggesting "not enough" or "almost none")

• Usage: Used with plural countable nouns

• Key characteristic: Emphasizes the lack or scarcity of something

Examples of "Few" in Sentences

1. Few people attended the meeting yesterday. (Almost no one came)

2. She has few friends in this city. (Not many friends)

3. There are few good restaurants in this neighborhood. (Not enough good restaurants)

4. Few students understood the complex theory. (Almost no students understood)

5. We have few options left. (Very limited options)

"Few" vs. "A Few" - The Crucial Difference

The presence or absence of the article "a" changes the meaning significantly:

Term	Meaning	Connotation	Example
Few	Very small number	Negative (not enough)	Few customers complained (Good news - almost none complained)
A few	Some, small number	Positive (some exist)	A few customers complained (Some complaints existed)

Comparative Examples:

1. He has few books. (Not enough books, negative)
   He has a few books. (Some books, positive)

2. Few doctors recommend this treatment. (Almost none recommend it)
   A few doctors recommend this treatment. (Some recommend it)

Common Mistakes with "Few"

1. Using "few" with uncountable nouns

   • ❌ We have few information. (Incorrect)

   • ✅ We have little information. (Correct)

2. Confusing "few" with "little"

   • ❌ There are little apples left. (Incorrect)

   • ✅ There are few apples left. (Correct)

3. Overusing "few" when "a few" is more appropriate

   • ❌ I need few minutes. (Sounds negative)

   • ✅ I need a few minutes. (More natural)

Special Cases and Advanced Usage

1. "The few" - Referring to a Specific Small Group

• The few remaining tickets sold out quickly.

• She thanked the few who helped her.

2. Formal Expressions with "Few"

• Few and far between (Very rare)

  • Good managers are few and far between.

• A man of few words (Someone who speaks little)

  • My grandfather was a man of few words.

3. "Few" in Comparative Structures

• Fewer than 20 students passed the exam.

• No fewer than 100 people attended. (Emphasizing the surprisingly large number)

Practice Exercises

Choose between "few" or "a few":

1. There are ___ empty seats in the front row.

2. ___ people know the truth about what happened.

3. We have ___ days to prepare for the presentation.

4. ___ of his paintings were sold at the auction.

5. ___ changes would improve this document significantly.

Answers:

1. a few

2. Few

3. a few

4. Few/A few (depending on intended meaning)

5. A few

Conclusion

Mastering the use of "few" is essential for precise communication in English. Remember:

• Use "few" for countable nouns when emphasizing scarcity

• "A few" is more positive, indicating some quantity exists

• Never use "few" with uncountable nouns - use "little" instead

By understanding these nuances, you'll be able to express quantities more accurately and avoid common pitfalls in English usage. With practice, distinguishing between "few" and "a few" will become second nature.