Some vs a Few in English Grammar
As Some and A few are two words that are often confused when it comes to their usage, it is essential to know the difference between some and a few in English grammar. However, before examining the difference between some and a few, if there is any, we should first look at the individual words carefully. Some is used in the English language as a determiner, pronoun and an adverb. A few is used in the English language as a determiner while the word few is also used as an adjective, noun and pronoun. Moreover, both some and a few have their origins in Old English.
What does Some mean?
Some is used as a determiner. It is, in fact, used with uncountable and plural nouns as in the following sentence.
I need some milk.
Milk is uncountable and is a plural noun as well. Hence, the usage of some is proper as in another example,
He needs some medicine.
It is interesting to note that some is used in questions especially when you expect affirmative answers as in the following question,
Could I have some white rice, please?
Here, the speaker is very much expecting an affirmative answer from the person addressed. Now, have a look at the sentence given below.
Would you like some more coffee?
Again the person that has uttered this question expected ‘yes’ from the other person.
It is important to know that some is used to express the idea of uncertainty or indefiniteness of something as in the sentences:
I have got some great music cassettes with me.
Have you got any animals?
In the first sentence, the speaker was not sure about his collection of music cassettes. He was uncertain. In the second sentence, the speaker was not sure and certain about the collection of animals the other person had with him.
What does A Few mean?
Grammar experts feel that the usage of a few is almost closer to some in the sense that it gives a positive meaning when compared to the meaning of the word few which means literally nothing. In other words, it can be said that a few gives the idea of better than nothing and more than expected.
See the difference between the sentences given below.
There are a few books in the shelf.
There are few books in the shelf.
In the first sentence, you get the idea that there are at least some books in the shelf. On the other hand, in the second sentence, you get the idea that there are no books at all in the shelf!
Also observe the two sentences:
You don’t need to go shopping. There are a few eggs in the refrigerator.
The theory advocated by the scientist was very difficult, but a few people understood it.
In the first sentence, you get the idea that at least some eggs are available in the refrigerator that is better than nothing. In the second sentence, you get the idea that there were at least some people who could understand the theory advocated by the scientist.
What is the difference between Some and A Few in English Grammar?
• Some is used as a determiner. It is, in fact, used with uncountable and plural nouns.
• The usage of a few is almost closer to some.
• It can be said that a few gives the idea of better than nothing and more than expected.
• It is interesting to note that some is used in questions especially when you expect affirmative answers.
• It is important to know that some is used to express the idea of uncertainty or indefiniteness of something.