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what is difference between "some", "any", "few" and "little"?
i can say:
"some apples" or "(a) few apples"
what is difference?
19 feb. 2018 14:33
Antwoorden · 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!
19 februari 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."
19 februari 2018
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Anatolii Bumbers
Taalvaardigheden
Engels, Russisch
Taal die wordt geleerd
Engels
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