I ate a little rice vs I ate little rice

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings. 'I ate a little rice' implies that you ate a small amount of rice. 'I ate little rice' suggests that you didn't eat much rice at all. The addition of 'a' in the first phrase changes the meaning to indicate a small quantity, whereas the absence of 'a' in the second phrase emphasizes the lack of rice consumption.

Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: October 07, 2024 • 14656 views

I ate a little rice

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate that you consumed a small amount of rice.

Examples:

I ate a little rice with my curry.
She only ate a little rice for lunch.

Alternatives:

I ate some rice.
I had a small portion of rice.

I ate little rice

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate that you consumed a very small or insufficient amount of rice.

Examples:

I ate little rice because I was full from the main course.
He ate little rice as he was not feeling well.

Alternatives:

I didn't eat much rice.
I had a small amount of rice.

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I ate a little rice vs I ate little rice

I ate a little rice

I ate little rice

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