Question

 Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word.

I’d like ____ ice-cream, please.

(a)a few

(b)few

(c)a little

(d)a lot

Answer 1

Hint: We use determiners to indicate the quantity or amount of something or someone. For example- a few cars, a little oil, etc.

Complete answer:

Let’s look at the functions of different quantifiers and determiners-

(i)A Few- It is a determiner that is used to indicate a scarce number or amount of something. It is also used with plural countable nouns. For example- I have a few pens with me.

(ii)Few- It is a determiner that is used to indicate very less quantity of something. For example- There were few secrets in that old house.

(iii)A Little- It is a determiner that is used to indicate a small quantity or amount of something. ‘Little’ is used with uncountable nouns. For example- Give me a little piece of the cake.

(iv)A lot- It is a determiner that is used to indicate a large number of people or things. For example- A lot of people agreed to do it.

Now, let’s examine the given options-

(a)‘a few’ is an incorrect option because it is used with countable nouns.

(b)‘few’ is an incorrect option because it is also used with countable nouns.

(c)‘a little’ is the correct option because it is used with uncountable nouns.

(d)‘a lot’ is an incorrect option because it is used to indicate a large quantity of something.

In the given question- We can conclude that X would like a little ice-cream. We use ‘a little’ with uncountable nouns.

Hence the correct answer is option ‘c’.
Note: Keep in mind, the use of a determiner depends upon the type of noun- Plural or Singular. Also, quantifiers and determiners help in modifying the nouns.