Do questions involving “few”, “little”, “less”, and “some” confuse your child? You’re not alone. These words may look harmless, but they often trip up even high-performing students in PSLE Grammar Paper 2.
That’s why we’re continuing our PSLE Grammar Practice Questions blog series—breaking down real questions from the 2024 paper to explain what each question is testing and how your child can tackle it confidently.
Let’s jump into Question 5!
PSLE 2024 Grammar MCQ – Question 5
With ________________ time to spare, Raju kicked the ball with all his might, scoring the winning goal at the very last minute.
(1) few
(2) little
(3) less
(4) some
At first glance, all four options seem reasonable. But only one is grammatically and contextually correct.
Understanding the Question
This question tests your child’s understanding of quantifiers—specifically how different words are used to describe uncountable vs countable nouns.
The noun in this sentence is “time”, which is uncountable. This is the key to finding the right answer.
Option-by-Option Analysis
Option (1): few
🔍 Meaning: “Not many” – used with countable nouns
❌ Incorrect. “Time” is uncountable, so “few” doesn’t fit.
Example: ❌ Few time left → ✅ Few minutes left
Option (2): little ✅
🔍 Meaning: “Not much” – used with uncountable nouns
✅ Correct! “With little time to spare…” is grammatically accurate and contextually logical.
It suggests urgency—Raju had barely any time, so he acted quickly.
Example: ✅ There is little water left in the bottle.
Option (3): less
🔍 Meaning: A comparative form, used with uncountable nouns
❌ Incorrect. “Less” would only make sense if there was a comparison (e.g., less time than before).
This sentence doesn’t compare—it describes the amount of time available.
Option (4): some
🔍 Meaning: An unspecified amount—used with both countable and uncountable nouns
❌ Grammatically acceptable but contextually weak. “With some time to spare” suggests comfort, not urgency. But the sentence ends with “at the very last minute,” which contradicts the idea of having spare time.
Grammar Focus: Quantifiers with Countable and Uncountable Nouns
This question tests the ability to choose the right quantifier based on whether a noun is countable or uncountable.
Quantifiers help us express how much or how many of something there is. The challenge? Some quantifiers only work with countable nouns, others only with uncountable nouns—and some can be used for both, depending on the context.
Here’s a comprehensive guide your child can refer to:
A. Quantifiers for Countable Nouns (e.g., books, apples, minutes)
few – almost none
✅ Few students arrived on time.
a few – some, but not many
✅ A few students stayed behind to help.
many – a large number
✅ Many people attended the concert.
several – more than two, but not many
✅ She received several awards.
a number of – an unspecified but countable quantity
✅ A number of issues were discussed.
B. Quantifiers for Uncountable Nouns (e.g., time, water, information)
little – almost none
✅ There’s little hope of success.
a little – some, but not much
✅ A little sugar can enhance the flavour.
much – a large amount (usually used in questions or negatives)
✅ How much milk do we have left?
❌ Much water was spilled. (Less common in affirmative sentences)
C. Quantifiers Used for Both Countable and Uncountable Nouns
These depend on context and do not change form:
some – an unspecified amount
✅ Some chairs were missing. (countable)
✅ Some water leaked. (uncountable)
any – usually in questions or negative sentences
✅ Do you have any questions? (countable)
✅ We don’t have any rice left. (uncountable)
a lot of / lots of – informal, large quantity
✅ A lot of people came. (countable)
✅ Lots of money was raised. (uncountable)
plenty of – more than enough
✅ Plenty of books to read.
✅ Plenty of juice for everyone.
D. Comparative Quantifiers
more – both countable and uncountable
✅ More toys (countable), more time (uncountable)
less – uncountable nouns
✅ Less noise, less sugar
fewer – countable nouns
✅ Fewer cars, fewer mistakes
Strategy: How to Handle Similar Grammar MCQs
1. Identify the noun type first
Ask: Is this noun countable or uncountable? That determines what quantifier you can use.
2. Plug in each option and check context
Even if more than one option is grammatically correct, only one will fit the sentence’s meaning.
3. Eliminate based on logic and tone
Look at how the sentence ends. Does the choice make sense emotionally and contextually?
From the Team at WRITERS AT WORK
At WRITERS AT WORK, we teach students to understand English deeply—not just through memorisation, but through meaningful application and strategy. Our PSLE English Programmes help students:
• Master confusing grammar rules like quantifiers
• Apply exam-smart strategies to Paper 2 MCQs
• Practise with authentic, real-world grammar questions
Want to boost your child’s grammar confidence? Explore our Comprehensive English Programmes today.
FAQs – PSLE Grammar Practice Questions
Q1: Why is “little” the correct answer in Question 5?
Because “time” is uncountable and “little” is the correct quantifier for small amounts of uncountable nouns.
Q2: How can I teach my child the difference between “few” and “little”?
Start by identifying nouns as countable or uncountable. Create practice questions using visuals and daily examples to reinforce the rules.
Q3: What’s the best way to revise grammar for PSLE?
Consistent, focused practice with real exam-style questions is key. Our blog series and Comprehensive English Programmes and grammar worksheets are great starting points.
About the Author: Jemmies Siew
This article was authored by Jemmies Siew, Managing Director and Co-Founder of WRITERS AT WORK Enrichment Centre. With over 15 years of experience in education, entrepreneurship, and marketing, Jemmies has helped shape Singapore’s English enrichment landscape through her vision for transformative learning.
She is passionate about connecting real-world issues with language learning, helping students think critically and express themselves clearly. Connect with her on LinkedIn to follow her insights on education, content marketing, and thought leadership.
Want to help your child develop critical writing and comprehension skills? Explore our programs at www.writersatwork.com.sg
