Difference between little, a little, and the little

Difference between little and a little

1.   Use of Little Difference between little and a little

Little का प्रयोग ‘नहीं के बराबर’ नगण्य या अल्प के अर्थ में quantity (मात्रा ) का बोध कराने के लिए singular uncountable noun के पहले होता है। यह नकारात्मक अर्थ रखता है। 

‘Little’ is used in the sense of ‘not much’ or ‘hardly any’ or ‘not enough’ before a singular uncountable noun to express quantity. It has a negative meaning.

we do not use little to express positive ideas in the sentences.

Example:-

• He has little money.
• I’m sorry, I speak little French.
• There was little time to finish my homework.
• The kitten is little.
• I have drunk little water this morning.

2.   Use of  A Little

Little का प्रयोग ‘थोड़ा या कुछ ‘ quantity (मात्रा ) का बोध कराने के लिए singular uncountable noun के पहले होता है। यह सकारात्मक अर्थ रखता है। 

‘A Little’ is used in the sense of ‘a small amount’ before a singular uncountable noun to express quantity. It has a positive meaning.

Example:-  Difference between little and a little

• He has a little money.
• There is a little milk in the glass.
• Would you like a little water?
• Mary got a little bit of pie.
• Can’t you discount it a little?
• I need a little sugar. I will have tea.

3.   Use of The Little

The Little का प्रयोग जो कुछ है ‘थोड़ा या कुछ ‘ quantity (मात्रा ) उसका सब का सब के अर्थ का बोध कराने के लिए singular uncountable noun के पहले होता है। यह सकारात्मक और नकारात्मक अर्थ रखता है।

‘The Little’ is used in the sense of ‘not much, but all there is’/ ‘the amount is small but all’/ ‘the small amount or quantity, but all’ before a singular uncountable noun to express quantity. It has both positive and negative meanings.

Example:-

• The little grain that he had was spoiled in the rain.
• I spent the little money I had.

The explanation:- I spent all the money I had. (Positive)

                  The money I had was not much. (Negative)

Read also

• Antonyms (A-C)⇔(D-E)
• forms of the verb
• list of collective noun
• list of Adjective
• most common proverbs 
• Idioms and proverbs 
• preposition of time In, On, At
• use of preposition By
• use of Some and Any
• This, That, These, and Those 
• use of It
• Use of There

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