1.229 'little' and 'much'

If you want to emphasize that there is only a small amount of something, you use 'little'. You use 'much' to emphasize a large amount. 'Little' and 'much' are used with uncount nouns.

• There was little applause.
• We've made little progress.
• We have very little information.
• Do you watch much television?

'Much' is also used in negative statements as well as in affirmative statements, but 'very much' is only used in negative statements. For example, 'I don't have very much sugar' means 'I have only a small quantity of sugar'.

• He did not speak much English.
• I haven't given very much attention to this problem.