A Little or A Lot

Use a lot for uncountable nouns (e.g., jam, time) to indicate many, or a large number. Use a little for uncountable nouns to indicate a small number. Notice that a lot is followed by the word of (unike a little). For example:

1. I don't have a lot of money.
2. I owe him a little money.

1. She eats a lot of marmalade each morning.
2. I’d like a little oatmeal instead of toast.
3. He spent a lot of money on hair implants.
4. Dust the pan with a little flour so the cake doesn’t stick.
5. Kids require a lot of attention.
6. I only have a little laundry to do.
7. There’s a lot of spare change in that 5-gallon bucket.
8. I need to spend a little time studying before we go out.

Decide whether you have to use a little or a lot:

1. That may cost you _______ of money.
2. I added _______ sugar to the mix.
3. You'll have to spend _______ of cash on this car.
4. I can do it with _______ help from my friends.
5. _______ change can really make a difference.
6. I don't have _______ of free time today.
7. He left _______ of laundry for me to do.
8. She gave him _______ attention.

Answers:

1. a lot
2. a little
3. a lot
4. a little
5. a little
6. a lot
7. a lot
8. a little