Main Difference – Few vs Some
Few and some are two quantifiers that are commonly used in the English language. Although both these quantifiers are used to modify a plural noun, some usually implies a greater number or quantity than few. Moreover, few is always used with countable nouns whereas some can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns. This is the main difference between few and some.
This article looks at,
1. What Does Few Mean? – The Meaning, Grammar, Usage, and Examples of the word Few
2. What Does Some Mean? – The Meaning, Grammar, Usage, and Examples of the word Some
3. Difference Between Few and Some
What Does Few Mean
Few is a quantifier that refers to a small number. It is only used with countable nouns. Few has many grammatical uses; it can be used as an adjective, pronoun, determiner, and a noun. The following examples will help you to understand the meaning and usages of few better.
David was one of his few friends.
Few voted against him.
There were few women among them.
Very few of the students understood the lecture.
Few were ready to join the rebellion.
Little has a similar meaning as few. But, it is always used with uncountable nouns. This is the difference between few and little.
There were few people on the road.
What Does Some Mean
Some is a quantifier that can be used as a determiner and a pronoun. It is used to refer to an unspecified number or amount, i.e., it can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns. For example,
Can you give me some water?
He has some money.
I met her sister some years ago.
Some girls giggled hysterically.
Some agreed with the leader, but others vehemently protested.
If you want water, I can give you some.
Although both few and some refer to an unspecified number, some generally refer to a greater number than few. For example, you can use few is there are less than 5 people or things, and some can be used to describe more than 5 things.
It is also important to notice that some has other meanings and functions other than those described in this article.
There were some people on the road.
Difference Between Few and Some
Number
Few refers to a small number.
Some usually refers to a greater number than few.
Use
Few is only used with countable nouns.
Some can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns.
Grammatical Categories
Few can be used as a determiner, pronoun, adjective, and noun.
Some can be used as a pronoun and a determiner.
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