by R. S. Karunaratne

Grammar patterns of 'little'

The word 'little' is both a determiner and a pronoun, meaning 'not much.' However, its use can pose a problem for the beginner. What is more, 'little' can be used as an adjective and an adverb as well.

Little shows that there is hardly anything.

It gives a negative meaning.

The refugees have very little water for their use.
Little learning is dangerous.
There was little evidence to convict the accused.
Sometimes little of the dry rations reached the flood victims.
I have very little time for revision.

Little can be used to give a positive sense.
I have a little money for my expenses.
There's a little bit of sugar on your face!
She drank a little amount of milk before going to bed.
Marina can speak a little French.
There's a little water in the bottle.

Little is used to say that someone or something is small.
I'll come with my little brother.
Show me your little finger.
I saw a little bird on the window.
When I was a little girl, I was in pigtails.
Father brought a little dog home.

Little can be used to reduce the importance of what you say.

She is a little afraid of dogs.
It's a little hot inside. Shall we go out?
Don't trouble me for such little things.

Little is used to talk about small differences.

The patient is a little better today.
Give me a little more money.
Goods are a little cheaper in Colombo.
She is a little worried about her transfer.

Little can be used to talk about doing something to a small extent.

Can you slow down a little?

Add a little oil to the curry.

Little is used to say that things rarely happen.
We spoke very little during the journey.
The patient's condition has improved very little.
Other combinations with little.
Would you like some more jam?
Just a little, thank you.

My daughter helps with the housework as little as possible. (the absolute minimum)
Her English is improving little by little. (gradually)
There's little or no food left for us. (hardly anything)
Sam is a little known pianist.
You are talking too much and doing too little.

Important proverbs

Proverbs are popular short sayings, with words of advice or warning. Here is a small collection of important proverbs.
 * Cowards die many times before their deaths
Cowards often imagine that they are on the point of death when they are not. As a result, they frequently experience the fear of dying.

 * A creaking gate hangs long
 This is a strange proverb that means people in weak health very often live long.

* Cross the stream where it is shallowest.
 Do not try to do things the hard way. If you know the easiest way of doing things, do them that way.

* Curses, like chickens, come home to roost.
Curses are utterances of evil wishes. When you curse somebody, the curse will affect you not the person cursed.

* Cut your coat according to your cloth.
Most of us do not know how to live within our means. Adjust your expenses according to your income.

* The darkest hour is that before the dawn.
 When you face the worst problem in life, the situation might improve suddenly.
 
* Dead men tell no tales.
It is obvious that dead people cannot talk. Even if they know some of your secrets they cannot reveal them. So, you are safe.

Starters:

Build up your vocabulary

In order to speak fluently and write well you have to develop your vocabulary. This means that you have to remember the correct spelling and meaning of each word.

In addition, you should know how to use it.

This cannot be done by memorising the words given in a dictionary. Although the dictionary helps us to know the spelling and the meaning of a particular word, you have to enrich your vocabulary by reading good books, magazines and newspapers.

Whenever you come across an unfamiliar word,look it up in a standard dictionary such as the Oxford English Dictionary (OED).

The Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary gives many examples of usage. These are invaluable to beginners.

If you are an absolute beginner, you should have a Picture Dictionary on your table. The pictures will help you to remember many new words you may come across.

Meanwhile, start writing the difficult words, along with the sentence in which they are used, in a notebook. Carry it wherever you go and refer to it constantly. This will help you to remember many new words and how they are used by writers.

If you follow these hints, you will be proficient in English.