Find English Teachers
Anatolii Bumbers
what is difference between "some", "any", "few" and "little"?
i can say:
"some apples" or "(a) few apples"
what is difference?
Feb 19, 2018 2:33 PM
Answers · 7
2
Hey there!
I'll try to help you out with this matter:
*First of all, you should know that the main difference among these words depends on the word that follows next (uncountable or countable noun):
1) 'Any' = one, some, or several, as specified, no matter how much or many, what kind or quality. 'Any' is used with countable or uncountable nouns.
E.g.: ''Are there any apples in your bag?''
E.g.: ''Any dogs like meat.''
E.g.: ''She might not have any advice for you.''
E.g.: ''Don't you have any homework to do?''
2) 'Some' = an indefinite or unspecified number or portion. 'Some' is used with countable or uncountable nouns.
E.g.: ''I got some good stories to tell you!''
E.g.: ''Should you get some free time, do not hesitate to stop by to make a visit!''
E.g.: ''Some people are just annoying - you should get away from them!''
3) 'A few' and 'a little' = both expressions mean 'some; a small number/amount''. However, you should know that we use 'a little' with singular uncountable nouns, whereas 'a few' is used with plural countable nouns:
E.g.: ''I bought a few apples at the market.''
E.g.: ''She saves a little money every month.''
4) 'Few' and 'little' = 'few' equals to 'not many/ almost none', and is used with plural countable nouns. 'little' equals to 'not much/ almost nothing', and is used with uncountable nouns. They are used in formal contexts:
E.g.: ''For I suppose I have little choice, I'm not very happy about this situation.''
E.g.: ''I just have this little money left.''
E.g.: ''Many had applied for the job, but few managed to get it.''
E.g.: ''Few people visit me nowadays.''
In regards to your question, yes, you may say either ''some apples'' or ''a few apples''.
Hope that helps!
February 19, 2018
2
ANY
- Used with negative statements: "I don't have any apples."
- Used with questions when you don't know if something exists: "Do you have any apples?"
SOME
- Used with positive statements: "I have some apples."
- Used with questions when you know something exists: "Can I have some apples?"
A FEW
- This means "some" but it's only used with countable nouns: "I have a few apples."
FEW
- This means "not many" and is also only used with countable nouns: "I have few apples."
Note that there’s a difference in meaning:
- "I have a few apples" = I have some apples. (I might be able to give you some.)
- "I have few apples" = I don't have many apples. (I might not be able to give you any.)
(A) LITTLE
- This is the same as "(a) few" but for uncountable nouns:
- "I have a little money. It's not much, but I can give you some."
- "I have little money, so I can't give you any."
February 19, 2018
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
Anatolii Bumbers
Language Skills
English, Russian
Learning Language
English
Articles You May Also Like

🎃 October Traditions: Halloween, Holidays, and Learning Portuguese
7 likes · 0 Comments

The Curious World of Silent Letters in English
3 likes · 2 Comments

5 Polite Ways to Say “No” at Work
14 likes · 3 Comments
More articles