1. There is only a little water in the glass on the table.

Question

2. There is only little water in the glass on the table.

(What is the difference between them? Are both the same? Because of 'a', do they have different meanings?)

3. There are only a few paper clips in the case.

4. There are only few paper clips in the case.

5. There are a few paper clips in the case.
(Among #3, 4,and 5, which one has more paper clips? Would you let me know the difference?)

Answer 1

I only know that I would prefer #2 without the word "only."

Again, for #4, drop "only."

The word "few" implies, perhaps, 3 or 4.

MsSue will explain far better, I am sure!

Sra