Question

Choose the correct option:
________ words spoken in earnest will convince him.
A. A few
B. A little
C. Few
D. Little

Answer 1

Hint: The given sentence suggests that some words were spoken in earnest, that is, sincerity, will convince an individual, that is, will make them agree on something. The subject ‘words’ will be used with a quantifier from the given options. A quantifier is a pronoun that indicates quantity. It is of two types of countable, which can be counted. Example: A few letters, Few friends. The second one is uncountable, which can not be counted in numbers. Example: A little advice.

Complete step by step answer:
Let us analyze each option individually to know the correct answer.
A few: ‘A few’ is a countable quantifier that expresses the positive attitude of the speaker, which means the speaker signifies that though he has not much, but has enough. Example: I have a few friends. By implying this option, the sentence becomes ‘A few words spoken in earnest will convince him’. This makes the sentence convincing, as words are a countable entity, therefore this is the correct option.
A little: ‘A little’ is an uncountable quantity, therefore this option remains invalid as the entity ‘words’ is a countable entity.
Few: ‘ Few’ is a countable quantifier which expresses the negative attitude of the speaker, which means the speaker signifies a lack of the quantity but is conveying it in a more polite way indirectly. Example: He had a few visitors at the exhibition. By implying this option, the sentence becomes ‘Few words spoken in earnest will convince him’. Though this is very close, still not the correct option.
Little: ‘little’ is an uncountable quantifier, therefore this option remains invalid.

So, the correct answer is “Option A”.

Note:
Both the options ‘a few’ and ‘few’ are very close. But with a little difference that ‘a few’ indicates a positive attitude which means enough words, whereas ‘few’ indicates a negative attitude which means not enough words. Therefore, ‘a few’ remains the correct answer.