1.232 other expressions

Some other expressions also behave like general determiners: 'a few', 'a little', 'a good many', 'a great many'. These have a slightly different meaning from the single word determiners 'few', 'little', and 'many'.

If you are mentioning a small number of things, but without any emphasis, you can use 'a few' with plural count nouns.

• They went to London for a few days.
• A few years ago we set up a factory.
• I usually do a few jobs for him in the house.

Similarly, if you are just mentioning a small amount of something without any emphasis, you can use 'a little' with uncount nouns.

• He spread a little honey on a slice of bread.
• I have to spend a little time in Oxford.
• Charles is having a little trouble.

However, 'a good many' and 'a great many' are more emphatic forms of 'many'.

• I haven't seen her for a good many years.
• He wrote a great many novels.