Little vs. A Little

• She showed little interest in what I said.
• I have little interest in philosophy.
• There was little chance of winning.

Before a pronoun or a determiner (the, this, my) we use little of.

• I have learned not to think little of anyone else’s beliefs.
• Could I have a little of that cheese?

Little and a little

Little has a rather negative meaning. It means hardly any. A little means some.

• Give me a little milk. (= some milk)
• I have little money. (= hardly any)

A little can be used before comparatives as a modifier.

• I feel a little better today.
• This car is a little faster than that car.

Little with adjectives

Little is not normally used to modify other adjectives or adverbs. However, a little can be used before certain adjectives and adverbs having a negative meaning.

• It was a little embarrassing.
• You are a little late.