Grammar reference and practice 5.3

5.3 Quantifiers: a little / a few

We use a little and a few to refer to small amounts.

a little

• ■We use a little with uncountable nouns.

  I only take a little sugar in my tea.

a few

• ■We use a few with plural countable nouns.

  There are a few problems with this homework.

1Choose the correct words to complete the sentences. 

• 1There's a littlea few milk in the jug.

• 2There are a littlea few tomatoes in the fridge.

• 3I've only got a littlea few bread. There are a littlea few slices in the bread bin.

• 4Do you want a littlea few cheese?

• 5There are a littlea few boxes of pens in the stationery cupboard.

• 6Would you like a littlea few potatoes with your chicken?

2Complete the sentences with a little or a few. 

• 1There are a littlea few letters on the desk. Are they yours?

• 2I can only speak a littlea few English.

• 3Do you want a littlea few chocolate?

• 4We've got a littlea few days before the beginning of term.

• 5She always eats a littlea few raspberries with yoghurt in the morning.

• 6Can I try a littlea few of the stew?

• 7There are a littlea few children in the park today, but not many because it's very cold.

• 8I sometimes have apple pie with a littlea few custard for pudding. It's delicious!