The word “little’’ describes something that is very small in size, for a short time. Here we will examine whether “little’’ is an adjective or adverb, or determiner.
The word “little’’ is certainly regarded as an adjective, an adverb, and a determiner based on its reference in a sentence. As an adjective it refers to the quality of a noun, as an adverb it refers to the degree and as a determiner, it refers to modifying an adjective and adverb.
Let us explain more interesting related to “little” as an adjective, an adverb, or a determiner along with some examples in a very amazing way.
When is “little’’ considered as an adjective?
An adjective is a describing word that does the function of a modifier of the noun and a pronoun. Here let us check when it acts as an adjective.
The word “little’’ is definitely considered as an adjective when it is inserted in a sentence to modify or emphasize a noun or a pronoun.
Let us see the table where there are provided the situations when we can use the word “little’’ as an adjective.
Situation | Example | Explanation |
1. The word “little’’ does the function of an adjective when we need to refer to small in size or number. | My mother uses a little pan to put milk. | In this example, the word “little’’ is used as an adjective to refer to the small size of the pan. It modifies the noun “pan’’ here. |
2. The word “little’’ can be applied as an adjective when we use it in a positive way for referring to small people or things that we like. | The little old lady is caring for the baby. | Here the word “little’’ as an adjective refers to the lady in a positive way. She is liked by everybody for her service. |
3. We use “little’’ as an adjective when we need to refer to small people or thing in a negative sense that is not liked by us. | The narrow-minded little woman wrote a nasty letter to me. | This is the example where the word “little’’ acts as an adjective and refers to |
4. The word “little’’ can play the function of an adjective when we use it to indicate mainly small children. | When you were little, you often played with dolls. | In this sentence, the word “little’’ is working as an adjective and refers to a small child. |
5. We are capable of applying the word “little’’ as an adjective when we refer to the time that lasts for a short time. | I can wait for the train for a little time. | Here the word “little’’ acts as an adjective that refers to a short time. |
6. The word ‘little’’ can play the role of an adjective when we refer to a short distance. | Ankita can walk a little way to reach school. | In this scenario, the word “little’’ as an adjective refers to a short distance. |
7. The word “little’’ can work as an adjective when referring to less importance. | I have little interest in this matter. | Here the word “little’’ does the function of an adjective and refers to something that has less importance. |
8. We can apply the word “little’’ as an adjective when we need to refer to something in a humorous manner. | The shopkeeper has a little issue sharing the customers. | Here it is seen that the word “little’’ as an adjective refers to something in a ridiculous manner. |
Is “little’’ a descriptive adjective?
A descriptive adjective is one type of adjective that can emphasize a noun or a pronoun. Now we will examine whether the word “little’’ is a descriptive adjective.
The word “little’’ is undoubtedly regarded as a descriptive adjective as it can modify the meaning of a noun or a pronoun and gives more information about a noun or a pronoun.
When is “little’’ a descriptive adjective?
We can regard the word “little’’ as a descriptive adjective when it refers to the quality of something or someone.
Let us look at the table below to see the examples where “little’’ is used as a descriptive adjective in an interesting manner.
Example | Explanation |
1. We cannot make both ends meet with this little income. | In this sentence, it is found that the word “little’’ acts as a descriptive adjective. It describes the noun “income’’. |
2. The little baby is very nice to look at. | Here we see that the word “little’’ as a descriptive adjective describes the noun “baby’’. |
3. Shila can cover little way with her wounded foot. | In this example, the word “little’’ acts as a descriptive adjective and it qualifies the noun “way’’, |
4. Please, give me a little doll for my daughter. | Here we can find that the word “little’’ is a descriptive adjective. It describes the noun “doll’’. |
5. I have a little girl whom I love beyond measure. | In this sentence, the word “little’’ works as a descriptive adjective by emphasizing the noun “girl’’ here. |
Is “little’’ an adverb?
An adverb is part of speech that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. Here we will check if “little’’ is an adverb.
The word “little’’ is definitely considered as an adverb as it can modify an adjective, a verb, or an adverb.
When is “little” an adverb?
The word “little” is certainly regarded as an adverb when it is used to refer to something that is small in size, describes a short time, and a small amount of something.
Let us view the examples in the table to realize better the use of “little’’ as an adverb in an interesting way.
Example | Explanation |
1. Rahaman sir is a little-known person in the locality. | In this sentence, the word “little’’ acts as an adverb. It modifies the adjective “known’’ here. |
2. I talk a little in class when the teachers teach us. | Here it is seen that the word “little’’ has been used as an adverb that modifies or qualifies the verb “talk’’. |
3. We slept a little the previous night for the loudspeaker. | In this example, we find that the word “little’’ as an adverb puts emphasis on the verb “slept’’. |
4. My brother goes to the stadium very little. | Here the word ‘Little’’ does the function of an adverb that modifies The adverb “Very’’ here. |
5. Gargi was a little affected by the cold in the last winter season. | In this sentence, the word “little’’ is used as an adverb that modifies the adjective “affected’’. |
Is “little’’ a determiner?
In the English language, a determiner is a word that is placed before a noun to introduce it. Let us examine whether the word “little’’ is a determiner.
The word “little’’ is undoubtedly regarded as a determiner as it is used in a sentence to introduce a noun and can provide us with more or additional information about the noun.
When is “little” a determiner?
The word “little” is certainly considered as a determiner when it is placed before a noun to modify it. “Little” is a special kind of describing word used with a noun to make it less extreme.
Let us look at the table below where examples are provided on the usage of “little’’ as a determiner.
Example | Explanation |
1. Little progress has been made by the students. | In this example, the word “little’’ acts as a determiner. It is followed by a noun and it emphasizes the said noun. |
2. I have little money to buy this present for my friend. | This is the example where the word “little’’ has been used as a determiner. It is followed by the noun “money’’ and modifies it. |
3. Souvik has little time to do the job. | Here the word “little’’ does the function of a determiner. It is followed by the noun “time’’ and it also emphasizes it. |
4. There is little water left in the bottle. | Here we see that the word “little’’ has been used as a determiner that is followed by the noun “water’’ and emphasize the noun. |
5. We have very little importance in the meeting. | In this example, it is seen that the word “little’’ is used as a determiner. It is followed by the noun “importance’’ and it emphasizes the said noun. |
Conclusion
This article deals with the explanation of the usage of “little’’. It is also discussed with sufficient examples and a detailed explanation of the different parts of speech. We will be able to use it in the right places whenever we need to insert it in any sentence.
Hi…. I am Goutam Datta. I have completed a double M. A. in English and B. Ed. I am a creative writer. Currently, I am a part of the LambdaGeeks.