Welcome to twominuteenglish.com. Teaching you English through two-minute lessons.
In this lesson we will talk about the difference between ‘a little’ and ‘little’.
Hello. Today we’ll talk about the difference between ‘a little’ and ‘little’.
And what’s the difference?
Well, when we say ‘a little’, the idea is positive; it means that something exists, it is present.
And ‘little’, without ‘a’?
That gives a negative idea, that something is largely absent. It sounds like you need more.
Oh! I think I understand. Does it refer to people and things?
Well, it can only be used to refer to uncountable things, like, water, light, rice, food. Uncountable things.
Okay. Can you give me an example?
Sure. I’m very pleased because this year I’ve been able to save a little money.
I got it. You have some extra money.
So I can say that yesterday I watched a little TV, referring to the amount of time I spent watching it.
That’s absolutely right, Dana.
And, I ate a little popcorn, too.
Oh, man. Now I feel like eating some. Anyway, we use ‘little’, without ‘a’, for a negative idea.
Something is absent. For example: now, I’m bummed because I have little money and can’t go to the movies and eat a little popcorn…
Hey, I thought you’d saved a little money this year.
Not really…that was just an example.
Oh, come on! You cleared my doubt. Let’s go to the movies together. My treat!
On the way, can you teach me the difference between ‘a few’ and ‘few’?
That’ll have to wait for another day, and another movie, my friend.
Hi, Rodger. Want to go out for lunch?
I’d love to, but I have very little time today.
Oh, too bad. Well, I have a little extra time today. Want me to bring you something?
Great! Could you bring me a little rice and beans?
No problem. See you in a little while.
Hey, Carol. Did you hear about Mrs. Abbot, from accounting?
No, what happened?
She had very little gas in her car and little money, she almost didn’t make it home yesterday…poor woman.
Look on the bright side. She did make it.
I’m very pleased because this year I’ve been able to save a little money.
And, I ate a little popcorn, too.
I’m bummed because I have little money and can’t go to the movies and eat a little popcorn…
Hey, I thought you’d saved a little money this year.
I’d love to, but I have very little time today.
Well, I have a little extra time today.
Could you bring me a little rice and beans?
See you in a little while.
She had very little gas in her car and little money, she almost didn’t make it home yesterday…