Countable nouns
Use a few with plural nouns such as questions or meetings: some are available. Few usually emphasizes that the number is small or insufficient.
I have a few questions.
Few people attended the meeting.
Uncountable nouns
Use a little with time, water, or information. Little without a often suggests the amount is insufficient.
We have a little time to practice.
We have little time, so let’s start now.
Change the example
Compare meetings with time. The first is a countable plural; the second is uncountable in this use.
I have a few meetings today.
I have a little free time today.
Try it yourself
Write an example about your time and another about your questions. Remove a and explain how the meaning changes.
Original Portal Academy content · October 2026