a little/little a few/few
Could I have a little butter?
There are a few students in the classroom.
There is litter butter left.
Few people can speak Japanese
A few people in my class can speak Japanese.
I have little interest in this movie. = I have almost no interest in this movie
I have a little interest in this movie. = I don't have much interest in this movie.
省略名词
‘Some more butter?’‘ Just a little, please.’
They had little hope. (but not Their hope was little)
比较一下
Could I have a little butter?
Could I have a little of that butter?
Could I have a little of that?
Few people always tell the truth.
Few of the people in this room told the truth.
Few of them told the truth.
a lot of/lots of
1
–
There’s not a lot of meat left.
There’s not much meat left.
A lot of time is needed to learn English. Lots of patience is needed, too.
plenty of
Don’t rush. There’s plenty of time. Plenty of shops sell butter.
‘How much money did it cost?’‘ A lot.’ (not A lot of.)
We should be all right for cheese – I’ve bought plenty.