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Countable and Uncountable Nouns - A lot of, A few, A little

Learn how to use a lot of, a few, and a little correctly with countable and uncountable nouns.

What Are Countable and Uncountable Nouns?

Countable nouns can be counted (e.g., apple, chair), while uncountable nouns cannot be counted individually (e.g., water, advice).

Why Is This Important?

Using the correct quantifiers with countable and uncountable nouns helps improve sentence clarity and accuracy.

Key Points

  • Use a lot of with both countable and uncountable nouns
    • There are a lot of books on the shelf.
    • He drank a lot of water.
  • Use a few for small quantities of countable nouns
    • I have a few pencils.
    • There are a few cookies left.
  • Use a little for small amounts of uncountable nouns
    • There’s a little juice in the glass.
    • Can I have a little sugar?

Rules for Using A Lot of, A Few, and A Little

  • Use a lot of with both countable and uncountable nouns

    • There are a lot of chairs in the room.
    • He has a lot of patience.

  • Use a few with plural countable nouns

    • I have a few close friends.
    • We need a few more chairs.

  • Use a little with uncountable nouns

    • Can you add a little sugar to my coffee?
    • There’s a little milk left in the fridge.

  • Special Cases & Exceptions:

    Some quantifiers change meaning depending on context.

  • 'A few' means a small but sufficient amount, while 'few' means almost none.

    • I have a few friends. (Some friends)
    • I have few friends. (Not many, almost none)

  • 'A little' means a small but useful amount, while 'little' means almost none.

    • I have a little money. (Some money, enough)
    • I have little money. (Not much, almost none)
QuantifierUseExample
a lot ofCountable & Uncountable nounsShe has a lot of books.
a fewCountable nounsThere are a few apples on the table.
a littleUncountable nounsI need a little help.

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the creators of these videos. These are publicly available resources used to provide additional information on the topic.