"A few" is some people. "Few" is not many people. example: We held a party last month, there were a few people there! It was much better than the one last year, because few people came and there was a lot of food that had to be thrown in the bin.

Few and a few - The difference is found in the sentence structure and how you intend to use the sentence.. Few and 'a few' are small groups of things/ideas/people/places ect. They are groups because there is something the speaker is talking about that makes them relate. The "a few" becomes part of a noun Phrase: A few place I have been, have been really hot through the winter. "A few paces" is the phrase. Few = is only a description of a group. Few places I have been have been really hot through the winter. Few is a description of places without becoming a phrase. __________________________________________________________________ If your next sentences will depend on the idea that there have been not many people, (for instance discussing ways to get more travelers in the future - or why there are so few) use the descriptive version "few people". If your next sentences will focus on the few people that came (for instance what they were doing there - or what type people they were" go with the phrase "a few people."

a few: some, or a small number of something, like: I need to get a few things in town. There are a few cakes left over from the party. few: a small number, not many or not enough It was embarrassing how few people attended the party. He is among the few people I can trust. by the way, "few" is negative idea means not much, not many: she has few friends there (= not many) good luck :)