Difference between Few, a Few and The Few in English Grammar with Examples

In English grammar, we often get confused by words like few, a few, and the few. They look similar but have different meanings. One small word can change the full meaning of a sentence. That’s why it’s important to understand how to use them correctly. 

When you learn the rules and meanings, you can avoid mistakes and improve both your writing and speaking. This simple guide gives you a clear NCERT grammar topic explanation. If you're studying through CBSE ICSE grammar difference guide or solving a Few A Few The Few worksheet, this will help you build better vocabulary and grammar skills in a smart and easy way.

In this guide, we will clearly explain the difference between Few, A Few, and The Few. You’ll learn how and when to use each one correctly in sentences. At the end of the lesson, we’ll also practice with a few questions to test your understanding. 

So stay with us, and clear your concept thoroughly through our simple grammar guide.

Difference between Few A Few and The Few

The words few, a few, and the few are used to show a small quantity, but they carry different meanings based on how they are used. These words are called quantifiers, which means they tell us about the number of people or things. 

Few means a very small number and is used in a negative sense—it suggests that not enough of something is present. 

A few means some, and it is more positive—it shows that at least a small number exists. 

The few refers to a specific small group of people or things that are already known or mentioned—it highlights their importance despite being small in number.

Understanding this difference helps in using the right word while speaking or writing. 

 Few vs A Few vs The Few in English Grammar

In English grammar, quantifiers like few, a few, and the few are commonly used to describe small quantities, but each one carries a different meaning and usage. Knowing the exact difference between them helps avoid confusion in sentence construction and improves clarity in communication. 

The table below offers a simple breakdown to help learners master this topic through definitions, usage cases, and examples. These notes are ideal for students using grammar worksheets, English vocabulary practice, or preparing for class 7 grammar exams with the NCERT or ICSE syllabus.

Grammar rules for Few A Few The Few

Understanding how to use few, a few, and the few correctly can greatly improve your grammar and writing. Here are the rules explained in an easy way:

Rule 1: Few – Used for a small number (almost none)

• Few means very little or not enough of something.
• It shows a negative idea or lack of quantity.
• Use few when you want to say there are hardly any of something.

Example:

Few people attended the early morning class.
(= Almost no one came.)

Rule 2: A Few – Used to mean some (enough)

• A few means a small number, but it is positive.
• It shows that something is present, though not in large amount.
• Use a few to show there is at least some quantity, and it is useful.

Example:

I have a few friends who support me.
(= I have some good friends.)

Rule 3: The Few – Refers to a specific group

• The few points to a known or special small group.
• It often shows importance or uniqueness, even though the number is small.
• Use the few when both the speaker and listener know who or what is being talked about.

Example:

The few students who stayed late completed the project.
(= A specific group of students did the work.)

Bonus Tips:

• All three are used with countable plural nouns.
  (e.g., few apples, a few books, the few students)
• Don’t confuse few with little (which is used for uncountable nouns).
  (e.g., few coins vs little money)

By following these rules and practicing with examples, you’ll be able to use these words correctly in both your speaking and writing. 

Use of Few A Few and The Few with examples

Use of Few – (Negative tone: almost none, not enough)

• I have few friends.
  (This means I hardly have any friends, and I might feel lonely.)
• Few birds visit this area in winter.
  (Very few birds come, showing a lack of wildlife in this place.)
• She made few mistakes in the test.
  (She hardly made any mistakes—this could be positive or negative based on tone.)

Some more examples of Few

1. Few students understood the new math topic without help.
2. He made few changes to his original design.
3. Few people can handle pressure with a calm mind.
4. There are few buses running on this route at night.
5. Few entries were selected for the final round.
6. She has few options left after missing the deadline.

Use of A Few – (Positive tone: some, enough)

• I have a few good friends I can rely on.
  (This means I have some friends, and they are trustworthy.)
• A few students stayed after class to help the teacher.
  (Some students offered help, showing a positive act.)
• He answered a few questions correctly.
  (He got some answers right, so it’s a partial success.)

Some more examples of A Few

1. I have a few minutes before the meeting starts.
2. She brought a few books from the library for reference.
3. A few questions in the test were tricky but manageable.
4. They planted a few flowers in the garden last weekend.
5. We visited a few historical places during our trip.
6. A few students stayed back to help clean the classroom.

Use of The Few – (Refers to a specific, known small group)

• The few books he owns are his most prized possessions.
  (He doesn't have many books, but the ones he has are very special to him.)
• The few players who trained daily were selected for the match.
  (Only a specific small group that worked hard got chosen.)
• The few days we spent in the hills were peaceful and memorable.
  (Refers to a known, short period that was meaningful.)

Some more examples of A Few

1. The few apples left in the basket were rotten.
2. The few friends she has are very supportive.
3. He shared his success with the few who stood by him.
4. The few lines he wrote in the letter meant a lot.
5. The few clothes she packed were just enough for the trip.
6. The few days we spent together were unforgettable.

When to use Few, A Few, The Few

 In English grammar, few, a few, and the few are quantifiers that refer to small numbers. They are used only with countable nouns (like books, friends, apples, etc.), but their meaning and tone are different. Knowing when to use few, a few, and the few helps improve your writing and communication.

When to Use Few

Use few when you want to express almost none or not enough.

It shows a negative sense or lack of quantity.

Example:

Few people understand how grammar really works.
(Hardly anyone does – a negative meaning.)

When to Use A Few

Use a few when you want to say some, but not many.

It shows a positive meaning—there is at least a small, useful number.

Example:

A few students stayed back to help with the event.
(Some students helped – a positive and encouraging sense.)

When to Use The Few

Use the few when talking about a specific small group already known or mentioned.

It often refers to people or things that are important despite being small in number.

Example:

The few soldiers who fought bravely were honored.
(Refers to a known group that is respected.)

By learning the correct use of these words, students can improve their English vocabulary, make their writing more accurate, and avoid common grammar mistakes. Whether you’re solving CBSE or ICSE grammar worksheets or reviewing a NCERT grammar topic explanation, this concept is essential for strong communication.

Grammar mistakes with Few and A Few

Difference between Few, a Few and The Few - Practice Questions

1. Which sentence shows a negative meaning?
A) A few students submitted the project.
B) Few students submitted the project.
C) The few students submitted the project.
D) All students submitted the project.
Answer: B

2. Choose the correct sentence:
A) He has a few patience left.
B) He has few books left to read.
C) He has a few knowledge about the topic.
D) Few sugar is in the jar.
Answer: B

3. “_____ people truly understand the value of time.”
A) A few
B) The few
C) Few
D) An few
Answer: C

4. Select the option that best completes the sentence:
“There are only _____ employees who can handle that client.”
A) few
B) the few
C) a few
D) little
Answer: B

5. Identify the sentence that expresses positive availability:
A) Few guests came to the wedding.
B) A few guests came to the wedding.
C) The few guests who came were bored.
D) Few of them liked the food.
Answer: B

6. Which option is grammatically incorrect?
A) Few people supported the new policy.
B) A few of the students failed the exam.
C) The few resources we had were enough.
D) She made a few mistake in the test.
Answer: D

7. Fill in the blank:
“She has _____ close friends, and they matter to her deeply.”
A) few
B) the few
C) a few
D) very few
Answer: C

8. Which sentence is best in formal writing?
A) Few know how the system works.
B) A few knows how the system works.
C) A few know how the system works.
D) Few knows how the system works.
Answer: C

9. Choose the correct sentence:
A) The few who remain are not strong.
B) Few are called but many are chosen.
C) A few knowledge can be dangerous.
D) Few of the people was interested.
Answer: A

10. “_____ people knew the real reason behind his success.”
A) Few
B) A few
C) The few
D) Little
Answer: A

11. Which sentence uses the few to refer to a known group?
A) A few people were injured.
B) Few people can afford this car.
C) The few people who stayed behind helped a lot.
D) Few people knew the truth.
Answer: C

12. Identify the sentence that sounds too negative in tone:
A) A few helped the injured man.
B) Few helped the injured man.
C) The few who helped were appreciated.
D) A few more joined later.
Answer: B

13. “_____ lines of the poem stayed with me forever.”
A) A few
B) Few
C) The few
D) Very few
Answer: C

14. Fill in the blank:
“Despite his popularity, _____ people knew about his past.”
A) a few
B) the few
C) few
D) many
Answer: C

15. Which sentence is correct?
A) A few of his advice was useful.
B) Few of the suggestions were useful.
C) The few of advice he gave helped a lot.
D) A few of suggestions was ignored.
Answer: B