A Few, Few, A Little, and Little

A FEW and FEW are used to quantify the count noun following it.

1. I have a few/few friends.
2. There are a few/few people in this area.

However, A FEW and FEW do not have the same quantity. A FEW means "some" and the quantity is enough for the purpose.

1. I have a few friends. I'm not lonely.
2. There are a few cakes in the fridge. Would you like one?
3. I don't mind sharing the oranges. I have a few in my bag.

FEW means "not enough" for the purpose.

1. I have few friends. I'm feeling so lonely.
2. The night life here is quiet. Few people go out at night.
3. We have few trees in our village. I think we have to plant more.

Unlike A FEW and FEW, A LITTLE and LITTLE quantify the non-count noun following it. A LITTLE means "some" and quantity is enough for the purpose.

1. I have a little wine left. There's enough for us, I think.
2. We still have a little time to spare before the party ends.
3. There's a little bread left. Shall we eat it for dinner?

LITTLE means "not enough" for the purpose.

1. People with little education cannot find a good job in this modern city.
2. I have little free time. I can hardly call my daughter.
3. I have little money left in the bank to afford the new car.