Suppose we want to use an adjective relating to quantity e.g. some, any.
Some is used in affirmative sentences; Any in negative and interrogative sentences.
I can use some sugar. (Affirmative).
Do you have any sugar? (Interrogative).
Is any one there? (Though Interrogative, we expect a negative reply i.e. nobody is there).
I do not have anything left to eat. (Negative).
In the sentence, I can use some sugar, we normally assume the reply to be ‘yes’. So, we can use some in cases when we need to make requests or when we want to offer.
‘ANY’ can be used in the affirmative sentence also if it follows ‘ if ’, If you need any cash, I shall provide you.
EACH, EVERY
‘Each’ is used when we speak of two or more things.
‘Every’ is used only when we speak of more than two things.
‘Each’ places emphasis on the individual.
‘Every’ emphasis to total group.
‘Each’ is used when the number in the group is limited or definite.
‘Every’ is used when the number is indefinite.
India expects every citizen to do his / her duty.
Each row in the Auditorium has twenty-five seats.
Everyone should play his part in Twenty 20 tournament to ensure to win.
LITTLE, A LITTLE, THE LITTLE
Little – more or less nothing.
Little – There is little hope of his getting through the final examination (He has no chance).
(Normally few, a few, the few are used along with countable Nouns).
A Little – There is a little hope of his getting through the final examination. (He has some chance).
The Little – Whatever is available (it is not much).
The little information on the type of explosives used, has been very vital in nabbing the culprit.
(The information on the explosive was not much, but, it was very important in catching the culprit).
FEW, A FEW, THE FEW
Few – more or less nothing, insignificant. Few honest persons become politicians.
A Few – some
May I request the Chief General to say a few words?
The Few – Whatever available, though not much.
The few friends I have would give their life for me, if need be.
We must ensure that we use the correct adjective at the correct position. Otherwise, the meaning will become different.
e.g.: give me some rice – The emphasis here is on ‘me’. Give some rice to me – Emphasis ‘rice’.
Many of us make mistakes in this respect and often we convey a wrong meaning.
Fill in with few, a few, the few, little, a little, the little.
1. I have time.
2. drops do not make an ocean.
3. I havefriends.
4. rupees he had saved, when he was affluent, had stood him instead.
5. Havemore.
6. fact would have prevented misunderstanding.
7. Aurangzeb showed mercy on his enemies.
8. knowledge of dehydration thereby saved his life.
Related:
http://ramanisblog.in/2012/09/05/some-examples-on-degrees-of-comparison-and-tipsenglish-grammar/
Related articles
- KINDS OF ADJECTIVES. English Grammar. (ramanan50.wordpress.com)
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