Where do we use LITTLE, A LITTLE and THE LITTLE❓
1. Little (adjective, pronoun and adverb) denotes scarcity or lack and has almost the force of a negative:
• There was little time for consultation. (adjective) – no time
• He spoke little English, so it was difficult to communicate with him.(adjective)- no English
• Little is known about the side-effects of this drug. (pronoun) – nothing
• He was little (= not much) more than a child when his father passed away. (adverb)
• His second suggestion was little (= not much) better than his first.(adverb)
• He little expected to find himself in prison.(adverb)
2. A little (adjective and adverb) is a small amount.
• I need a little salt to add to the fish gravy which is devoid of any salt now. (adjective)
• He spoke a little English, so were able to communicate with him.(adjective)
• He was a little anxious to know his examination results.(adverb)
3.The little (adjective and pronoun) means not much but all of that much.
• He drank the little milk we had.(adjective)
*The little that we know about the people who live here suggests that they have a very sophisticated society. (pronoun)
