a little

USAGE SUMMARY

"a little" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a small degree or amount of a particular thing. For example: "I have a little bit of extra money saved up that I could use to buy a new bike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A little.

The New York Times

A little politics, a little fun.

The New York Times

A little clumsy, a little dishevelled.

The New Yorker

Give a little, get a little.

The Economist

A little bit, maybe.

The New York Times

It's a little sore.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's a little different.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a little.

The New York Times - Sports

"A little bit weird.

The New Yorker

Had a little fun.

The New York Times

He smiles a little.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a little" to soften requests or criticisms, making them sound less harsh. For example, instead of saying "This needs more work", try "This needs a little more work."

Common error

While "a little" is versatile, overuse can make your writing sound informal or vague. In formal contexts, consider stronger or more precise alternatives like "slightly", "somewhat", or "to a certain degree".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little" functions primarily as a determiner or adverb, modifying nouns or verbs to indicate a small quantity or degree. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a little" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a small quantity or degree. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's widely accepted and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While generally neutral to informal, more precise alternatives may be preferred in highly formal writing. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in softening statements, expressing understatement, and indicating a limited extent, making it a valuable tool in everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a bit

Replaces "little" with "bit", providing a more informal alternative.

just a bit

Emphasizes the small quantity with the addition of "just".

slightly

Offers a more formal and precise way to express a small degree.

a small amount

More explicit and less idiomatic than "a little".

somewhat

Indicates a moderate degree, slightly more formal than "a little".

in a small way

Focuses on the manner or method being limited.

to some extent

A more elaborate phrase that emphasizes the limited degree.

a touch

Implies a very small amount, often used for abstract qualities.

a shade

Similar to "a touch", suggesting a subtle difference or amount.

a fraction

Indicates a small portion or part of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a little" in a sentence?

You can use "a little" to describe a small amount of something (e.g., "I need "a little help"") or to indicate a small degree (e.g., "I'm "a little worried"").

What are some alternatives to saying "a little"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a bit", "slightly", "somewhat", or "to some extent".

Is it correct to say "a little bit" instead of "a little"?

"A little bit" is generally considered more informal than "a little", but both are grammatically correct and commonly used. Choose the option that best fits the tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "a little" and "little"?

"A little" implies a small but appreciable amount, whereas "little" without the article can suggest scarcity or insufficiency (e.g., "I have little time" implies almost no time at all).