Few vs. Is: Understanding "There Are Few" vs. "There Is Few"
The difference between "there are few" and "there is few" might seem like a simple grammar distinction, but it trips up native speakers and language learners alike. This confusion stems from understanding when to use the plural verb are versus the singular verb is when describing quantities with the word few. Mastering this concept is essential for clear, grammatically correct English communication.
Understanding the Basics: What Does "Few" Mean?
Before diving into the grammatical rules, make sure to understand what few actually means in English grammar. The word few is a quantifier used to indicate a small number of something, particularly when referring to countable nouns. Here's one way to look at it: few students or few options both refer to a limited quantity of distinct items.
Few can be used in two main contexts:
- With a determiner: There are few students in the classroom.
- As a pronoun: Few students attended the lecture.
In both cases, the key factor in choosing between are and is depends on the grammatical number of the noun that follows few Less friction, more output..
The Rule: Subject-Verb Agreement with "Few"
The fundamental rule governing the choice between there are few and there is few is subject-verb agreement. This means the verb must match the subject in number—singular or plural And that's really what it comes down to..
Since few is used with countable plural nouns, the correct verb form is almost always the plural are. Let's break this down:
When to Use "There Are Few"
Use "there are few" when the noun following few is plural and countable.
Examples:
- *There are few opportunities in this field.On the flip side, *
- *There are few students who understand this rule. *
- *There are few cars parked outside.
In each of these sentences, the noun (opportunities, students, cars) is plural, so the verb are is correct.
When to Use "There Is Few"
Use "there is few" only when the noun following few is singular. Still, this construction is extremely rare in modern English because few typically refers to plural countable nouns The details matter here..
An example might be:
- There is few chance of success. (Here, chance is singular, though this phrasing is awkward and less common.)
More often, when dealing with singular concepts, speakers use little instead of few, since little is used with uncountable nouns.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One of the most frequent errors occurs when speakers incorrectly apply the verb based on the word few itself rather than the noun it modifies. Remember: the verb agrees with the noun, not with few.
Incorrect: There is few apples on the table.
Correct: There are few apples on the table.
Another common mistake involves confusing few with a few. While few implies a small number, a few suggests a small but sufficient number. The same subject-verb agreement rules apply:
- There are a few apples on the table. (plural noun → are)
- There is a few – This is grammatically incorrect because a few always refers to plural nouns.
The Role of "Little" vs. "Few"
To further clarify the use of few, it helps to compare it with its counterpart, little. Both words express small quantities, but they differ in the types of nouns they describe:
| Word | Used With | Verb Form |
|---|---|---|
| Few | Countable, plural nouns | Are |
| Little | Uncountable nouns | Is |
Examples:
- There are few books on the shelf. (books = countable, plural)
- There is little water in the bottle. (water = uncountable, singular)
Understanding this distinction prevents confusion between there is and there are when describing quantities Most people skip this — try not to..
Real-Life Examples and Practice
Let’s look at some real-life scenarios to solidify your understanding:
-
Academic Context:
There are few students who complete all assignments on time.
(Students = plural → are) -
Workplace Scenario:
There is little time left to finish the project.
(Time = uncountable → is) -
Social Situation:
There are few people at the event.
(People = plural → are)
Notice how the verb changes based on whether the noun is countable and plural (few) or uncountable (little).
Advanced Considerations
In more advanced or formal writing, you might encounter phrases like:
- There are few who can say they’ve never made a mistake.
- There is few and far between. (Note: This is a set phrase where few functions differently.)
Still, these constructions are less common and usually appear in literary or idiomatic contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can "there is few" ever be correct?
A: Technically yes, but only with singular countable nouns, which is rare. It’s better to rephrase or use little for uncountable nouns.
Q: Is "there are few" always correct with plural nouns?
A: Yes, when the noun is countable and plural, there are few is the grammatically correct form.
Q: What about "there is a few"?
A: This is incorrect. A few always refers to plural nouns, so it should be there are a few.
Conclusion
Mastering the difference between "there are few" and "there is few" comes down to one key principle: subject-verb agreement. Since few is used with countable plural nouns, the verb are is typically the correct choice. The rare exceptions involve singular nouns, but even then, rephrasing or using little is often more natural.
By paying attention to the nouns that follow few, you can avoid common grammatical pitfalls and communicate more clearly and confidently in English. Whether you're writing an essay, composing an email, or engaging in conversation, applying these rules will enhance your language skills and improve your overall fluency Most people skip this — try not to..
Remember: Few goes with are, and little goes with is. Keep this simple rule in mind, and you'll work through these tricky grammar points with ease.
This distinction becomes even more nuanced when considering context and emphasis. As an example, "There are few students" emphasizes scarcity, while "There are a few students" suggests a small but sufficient number. On the flip side, similarly, "There is little water" implies near absence, whereas "There is a little water" indicates a small but adequate amount. Recognizing these subtle differences enhances both precision and clarity in communication Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
Additionally, in formal writing, avoiding ambiguity is crucial. Still, when in doubt, rephrasing can help: instead of "There is few data," consider "There is little data" or "There are few data points. " Such adjustments ensure your message remains clear and grammatically sound Simple as that..
In the long run, mastering "there are few" versus "there is few" isn’t just about memorizing rules—it’s about understanding how language reflects reality. Plus, whether describing the rarity of opportunities, the scarcity of resources, or the uniqueness of experiences, choosing the right construction allows you to convey meaning accurately and effectively. With practice and attention to detail, these grammatical concepts will become second nature, empowering you to express yourself with confidence and sophistication.
Counterintuitive, but true.
