(a) few and (a) little

1. We use few with plural nouns, and little with singular (uncountable) nouns.
Compare:

• Few politicians are really honest.


• I have little interest in politics

2. There is a difference between a few and few, and between a little and little.
Few and little are rather negative: they mean 'not much/many'.
A few and a little are more positive, their meaning is more like 'some'.
Compare:

• His ideas are very difficult, and few people understand them.
  (=not many people,  hardly any people)


• His ideas are difficult, but a few people understand them.
  (=some people- better than nothing)


• I need little water


• Give the roses a little water every day.

3. Few and little (without a) are rather formal. In conversation, we prefer not many, not much, only a few or only a little.

• Only a few people speak a foreign language perfectly.


• Come on! We haven't got much time!