a little of vs a little

Both "a little of" and "a little" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "A little of" is used when referring to a small amount of something specific, while "a little" is used when talking about a small amount in general.

Last updated: April 07, 2024 • 450 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to a small amount of something specific.

"a little of"

Use "a little of" when you want to specify a small amount of a particular thing. For example, "I only need a little of sugar for the recipe."

Examples:

Can I have a little of your time?
She added a little of salt to the soup.
He needs a little of help with his homework.
I have a little of money saved up.
Could you spare a little of your expertise?

Show examples from the web [+]

I may still have a little of that violence...
Maybe add a little of that classic Dev spice.
All I ask is for a little of your time.
It may take a little of his time, about three years.
Try a little of our hospitality, see how you like it.
Could be you just need a little of my personal therapy.
I got you a little of everything.
We play a little of the latter here.
It might show a little of humanity.
Learned how to write a little of your alphabet.
Maybe add a little of that classic Dev spice.
I was hoping to see a little of the countryside.
You get to taste a little of each one.
Just to go a little of our way together.
Just a little of its nectar.
So, I hold back a little of my venom for these astronomical misnomers.
I kept a little of the mixture back.
But have a little of the sacrament here.
Be sure you have a little of me.
I was just telling the detective a little of your history with Dr. Cotton.

Alternatives:

a bit of
some of
a small amount of
a touch of

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to a small amount in general.

"a little"

Use "a little" when you want to talk about a small amount without specifying the exact thing. For example, "I have a little time before the meeting."

Examples:

She needs a little more practice.
Could you add a little more sugar to the tea?
He has a little experience in coding.
I have a little money in my wallet.
Can you wait a little longer?

Show examples from the web [+]

You're looking a little pale.
Try that for a little while.
My Google search was a little...
Let me offer a little thinking here.
Backyard could be a little bigger.
Spend a little time, talk.
Just need a little thinking elixir.
Nothing like absorbing a little local culture.
It just needs shortening a little.
I don't mind a little healthy competition.
The boys are probably a little overconfident.
Show the woman a little respect.
Retract the duct a little more laterally.
Consuelo thought a little entertainment might help.
Give your wife a little freedom.
He just needs a little motivation.
Sometimes she talked a little differently.
Might do a little buffalo hunting.
Relax... sip a little champagne.
That made things a little awkward.

Alternatives:

a bit
some
a small amount
a touch

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a little of vs a little

"a little of"

"a little"

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