What is difference between few a few and the few
by Yogi P - October 18, 2023
Difference Between Few, A Few, and The Few
When it comes to English language, there is often a complex web of words that may seem indistinguishable from each other but are, in fact, quite different. This is certainly true of the words few, a few, and the few. To make sure that you understand when to use one or the other, it is important to understand what the words mean and how they are used.
Few
Few is an adjective that is most commonly used to represent a small quantity of something. It can be used in sentence to indicate a lack of quantity.
For example – “There are few apples in the bowl.” In this sentence, few refers to the relatively small number of apples that have been put in the bowl.
Few can also be used as an adverb. Here, it is employed to indicate a reduction in something that was plentiful.
For example – “The restaurant was extremely busy last week but it is much quieter now. Fewer people have come in the last few days.”
A Few
A few is another adjective, which again refers to a small number of something. However, this small number is not as small as the one referred to by few. In comparison to few, it implies a greater quantity but not one that is large.
For example, “I have a few items to pick up for school before the classes start.” Here, a few conveys that the individual has taken some items to school but not a whole lot of them.
The Few
The few is a noun and it refers to a distinct, small fraction of something. This phrase emphasizes that the group is exclusive.
For example, “The few remaining survivors of the disaster are living in the makeshift shelter.” Here, the few refers to the distinct and select group of people who survived the disaster.
Comparing the Meanings of Few, A Few, and The Few
| Word | Few | A Few | The Few |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meaning | small number | greater than few, but less than many | small and distinct group |
| Usage | adjective, adverb | adjective | noun |
| Examples | “There are few apples in the bowl.” | “I have a few items to pick up for school.” | “The few remaining survivors of the disaster are living in the makeshift shelter.” |
Understanding the Usage of Few, A Few, and The Few
Few is used to describe a scarce amount of something. A few refers to something greater than few, but not enough to be considered many. The few is an exclusive group of people or things. These words are very important when it comes to expressing the exact amount, quality, or quantity of something.
For example – “There’s few comfort in this world” describes a lack of comfort and implies that comfort is in short supply. Similarly, “He had a few books on the table” means that a specific number of books, greater than few but not many, were present on the table.
On the other hand, “She was one of the few people invited to the party” implies that there was a select and very small number of people invited to the event.
Activity to Enhance Understanding
To practice using these words in context, pay attention to how the words are used in newspapers, books, and other forms of media. Identify instances when these words are used to indicate the quantity of something or the exclusive nature of a group.
Whenever you come across such an example, try to analyze it to understand how the words few, a few, and the few have been used even.
Conclusion
These three words may appear very similar at first, but their meanings and usages are actually quite different. Few is an adjective or adverb that describes a small amount, a few implies a marginally greater number, and the few is a noun that refers to distinct, exclusive groups.
Thus, using these words accurately helps to convey the exact message. So, next time, when you are in doubt, remember to make sure that you are using the right word.
