Difference Between Few and Some

Few vs. Some

“Few” and “some” are two determiners and quantifiers that can be used in many sentences. Both words indicate an unspecified or vague number of objects or nouns. Another similarity is that both terms indicate a smaller part of a whole or a collection. Although both words indicate an indefinite nature of the number, they both point out a mass or plural number.

Both “few” and “some” are often used in instances where the quantity or specific number of nouns is irrelevant or unknown. The word “few” generally indicates a number or a figure of five or less. On the other hand, “some” indicates a larger quantity that ranges between five and ten.

In terms of hierarchy, “some” is placed higher than “few” and lower than “more.” In contrast, “few” is placed below “some” but higher than “couple.”

Another major difference between the two determiners or quantifiers is their application to nouns. “Few” is applied to countable objects, while “some” is applicable to both countable and uncountable objects. As determiners, they are both classified as general determinants since they both cater to uncountable nouns.

Aside from being determiners and quantifiers, both “few” and “some” also function as a response to an inquiry, but what distinguishes them are the meanings they project. For instance, “few” indicates a negative meaning, while “some” has a positive connotation.
Another function of “some” as an answer is the expression of uncertainty or indefiniteness in the response.

The words have different etymologies. “Few” comes from a variety of languages – Middle English (few), Old English (fēawe), and Latin (paucus). The root word meaning of “few” is “little.” “Few” was already used even before the 12th century.

In the case of “some,” it came from Middle English (som), Old English (sum), and Greek (hamē). The time when “some” originated is the same as “few” – before the 12th century.

Aside from being determiners and quantifiers, “few” and “some” also have other grammatical functions. “Some” functions as a noun, pronoun (singular and plural in construction), adjective, and adverb. “Some” also forms other words like the following: somebody, someone, someday, someplace, something, somehow, and somewhat. “Few” also has the same grammatical functions of “some.” For example, it also functions as a noun (plural in construction), adjective, and adverb.

Summary:

1.“Few” and ”some” are words that indicate a vague or indefinite number that is part of a whole. Although they both pertain to an indefinite number, they modify plural nouns or objects.
2.“Few” indicates a number that is less than five, while “some” implies a number equal to or greater than five. They both belong to a hierarchy of parts (of a whole). In this hierarchy, “few” is below “some” and above “couple.” In contrast, “some” is higher than “few” but lower than “many” or “several.” To sum it all up, “few” can be described as a small, indefinite number, while “some” – as an indefinite, large number.
3.“Few” is used to modify countable nouns. Meanwhile, “some” is applicable to both countable and uncountable nouns.
4.Used as a response, “few” can indicate a negative impression; on the other hand, “some” creates a positive thought.
5.Both “few” and “some” have been in use since the 12th century. “Few” and “some” share the same etymological counterparts in Middle and Old English, but their primary root words are different. “Some” has Greek origins, while ”few” originates from Latin.
6.Other similarities between the two terms are their functions as determiners, quantifiers, nouns, pronouns, adjectives, and adverbs.
7.Unlike “few,” “some” has other related words like: somehow, somewhat, something, someday, someplace, somebody, and someone.

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