If you’re looking for all the tips and tricks for how to use a little, little or small, then you’re certainly in the right place. Keep on reading for all the details you need to know for how to use these confusing words in style!
A little, little, and small
Little vs A little vs Small
A little, little, and small are similar in that they refer to someone of something that is not big or not a lot. However, there are some key differences in when they’re used.
How to Use Little
There are a number of ways that a little/little can be used.
A Little
Describes a small or unimportant amount of something when used with the article “a” (a little). For example:
There’s a little bit of dirt on the floor.
Little (young)
Describe somebody who is young. For example:
The little kids next door love to play outside.
Little (lacking)
Means lacking or missing something. For example:
You’ll have little need for that jacket today. It’s supposed to be 25 degrees.
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Bolen, Jackie (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 319 Pages - 03/14/2022 (Publication Date)
How to Use Small
Used to describe the size of something. Can be used as a comparative adjective (smaller).
Examples:
- These airplane seats are so small.
- She is quite small for her age.
- These shoes are too small for me now.
- It can also be used as a comparative adjective (smaller).
- I moved to a smaller house.
Little vs A Little vs Small: Practice
- I have _____ use for this kayak now that I moved. Do you want it?
- Tom’s shoes are too _____. He’s growing so fast.
- When I was _____, I used to love collecting baseball cards.
- I need _____ more time, please.
- My apartment is too _____ now that my girlfriend moved in.
- It’s a _____ dusty in here. I’m starting to sneeze.
- My new place is _____ but nicer.
- Can you please get me _____ bit of water?
Answers
- little
- small
- little
- a little
- small
- little
- smaller
- a little
More Confusing English Words
There are lots of other confusing words in English to be aware of. Here are just a few of them to check out once you’ve mastered these ones in this lesson:
Want to Find Out More?
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Bolen, Jackie (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 319 Pages - 03/14/2022 (Publication Date)
You can find hundreds of confusing English words and word pairs in this book: Most Confusing Words in English Explained. Pick up a copy and ace your next TOEFL, TOEIC, or IELTS exam!
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Little and Small: Join the Conversation
Do you have any tips or tricks for how to keep these words straight? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.
Last update on 2025-05-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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