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A Few Few
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Few, when used without a preceding a, means "very few" or "none at all". On the other hand, a few is used to indicate "not a large number". The difference is subtle, yet there are instances where the two can mean completely opposite things.


I have a few objections to the vendor's proposed approach. implies that I am not on board with the vendor's proposal. I have some objections, but not so many as to say "I have several objections...". Nevertheless, I have objections that need to be addressed.

I have few objections to the vendor's proposed approach. is a more positive statement that implies I am more or less on board with the proposal. It is not a whole-hearted endorsement, but if I have any objections, they are extremely few and/or minor.

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Comments on A Few vs. Few
Actually, when someone uses the word 'few' without a preceding 'a', they actually mean 'no'. It's a way of putting forward one's opinion. Using the same example, "I have few objections to the proposal" actually means "I have no objections". The same goes for the difference between 'little' and 'a little'. When used with a preceding 'a', little refers to a small number/quantity. For example, "There's a little chance of we winning the case" means we can win the case, though chances are not very high. But when a doctor says "There's little hope of patient's survival", he/she means that there's no hope of patient's survival.....and just puts it across in a different way.
- by 12.2.142.7 on 2007-10-02 07:58:38