Author

Home > Language > What is the Difference Between Few and A Few?

Guilherme Mazui

•2 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Few and A Few?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The difference between "few" and "a few" lies in their connotation and emphasis:

Few: This term means "not many" and is used to emphasize that there are a small number of people or things, often with a negative connotation. For example:

Few people came to the event.
I have few friends.

A few: This term means "some" and is used to emphasize that there are a small number of people or things, often with a positive connotation. For example:

A few people came to the event.
I have a few friends.

In summary:

"Few" emphasizes that there are not many people or things, often with a negative connotation.
"A few" emphasizes that there are some people or things, often with a positive connotation.

On this page

What is the Difference Between Few and A Few?

Comparative Table: Few vs A Few

Comparative Table: Few vs A Few

Here is a table comparing the difference between "few" and "a few":

Few	A Few
Emphasizes a small number of people or things	Simply states that you are talking about a small number of people or things
Without the article "a," it emphasizes a small number of something	Adding the article removes the emphasis; it means some
Similar in meaning to "not many"	Similar in meaning to "some" and has a positive connotation
Used with countable nouns in the plural form	Used with countable nouns in the plural form

For example:

Few friends: Emphasizes that you have a small number of friends.
A few friends: Indicates that you have some friends.

Read more:

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.