The word “little” is a common word that can be spelled correctly with a little practice. There are a few rules to remember when spelling “little”. First, the word starts with the letter “l”. Second, the second letter is “i”. Third, the third letter is “t”. Finally, the word ends with the letter “e”.
If you are having trouble remembering how to spell “little”, try using a mnemonic device. For example, you could think of the word “little” as being like a “little” boat. The “l” is like the boat’s hull, the “i” is like the boat’s mast, the “t” is like the boat’s sail, and the “e” is like the boat’s rudder.
With a little practice, you will be able to spell “little” correctly every time. Just remember the rules and the mnemonic device, and you will be on your way to spelling success.
The Basic Spelling of “Little”
The most common and basic spelling of the word “little” in English is “l-i-t-t-l-e.” This spelling has been used consistently throughout the history of the English language, and it is the spelling that is most familiar to native English speakers. It is also the spelling that is used in most dictionaries and textbooks.
There is only one variation of the spelling of “little” that is considered to be standard. This variation is “lyttel,” which was used in Middle English. However, this spelling is now considered to be archaic, and it is no longer used in modern English.
Here is a summary of the basic spelling of “little”:
| Spelling | Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| l-i-t-t-l-e | /ˈlɪtəl/ |
The word “little” is a common adjective that is used to describe something that is small or not very much. It can be used to describe physical size, quantity, or importance. For example, you could say “I have a little money” or “I’m feeling a little sick.”
The word “little” can also be used as a noun to refer to a small amount of something. For example, you could say “I need a little sugar” or “I’m going to take a little nap.”
Using “Little” in Simple Sentences
Here are a few examples of how “little” is used in simple sentences:
- I have a little money.
- There is a little bit of food left.
- The house is a little small.
- The child is a little shy.
- It is a little cold outside.
In each of these sentences, “little” is used as an adjective to describe something as being small or insignificant in quantity or degree. It can be used to describe both physical and abstract qualities.
When to Use “Little” vs. “A Little”
There is a subtle difference between using “little” and “a little” in English. “Little” is typically used when something is completely absent or insignificant, while “a little” is used when something is present in a small quantity or degree.
Here is a table summarizing the difference between “little” and “a little”:
| Usage | Example |
|---|---|
| Little | I have little money. |
| A little | I have a little money. |
As you can see, “little” is used to describe something that is completely absent, while “a little” is used to describe something that is present in a small quantity.
The Comparative Form: “Littler”
The comparative form of “little” is “littler.” This form is used to compare two things that are not equal in size or amount. For example, you might say “This box is littler than the other box.”
The word “littler” is formed by adding the suffix “-er” to the end of the word “little.” This suffix is used to form the comparative form of many adjectives in English.
Here are some examples of how to use the comparative form of “little”:
| My car is littler than your car. |
| This room is littler than the other room. |
| Your dog is littler than my dog. |
The comparative form of “little” can also be used in negative sentences.
For example, you might say “This box is not littler than the other box.” This means that the two boxes are the same size.
How To Spell Little in English Language
The word “little” is a common adjective in the English language, used to describe something that is small in size or quantity. The spelling of “little” can vary slightly depending on whether you are using British English or American English.
Spelling Variations in British English
In British English, the word “little” is typically spelled with a single “l”. This is the most common spelling and is used in both formal and informal contexts.
| British English | American English |
|---|---|
| Little | Little |
However, there are some cases where the double “l” spelling is used in British English. This is most commonly seen in the following situations:
- When the word “little” is used as a noun, meaning “a small amount of something”.
- When the word “little” is used in a comparative or superlative form, such as “littler” or “littlest”.
For example, you might say “I have a little bit of money left” or “This is the littlest cat I have ever seen”.
Common Misspellings and How to Avoid Them
The most common misspelling of “little” is “liitle.” This error occurs when the writer adds an extra “i” before the final “e.” To avoid this mistake, remember that “little” has only one “i,” which comes before the double “tt.” Additionally, pronouncing the word aloud can help ensure that you use the correct spelling.
Another common misspelling is “litle.” In this case, the writer omits the double “tt” at the end of the word. To prevent this error, focus on the pronunciation of the word. The double “tt” produces a distinct sound that should be reflected in the spelling.
Less frequently, “little” is misspelled as “litel” or “littel.” These errors involve omitting either the “t” or the “e” from the correct spelling. To avoid these mistakes, pay close attention to the word’s components and ensure that all necessary letters are included.
The table below summarizes the common misspellings of “little” and provides strategies for avoiding them:
| Misspelling | Reason for Error | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| liitle | Adding an extra “i” | Remember that “little” has only one “i.” |
| litle | Omitting the double “tt” | Focus on the pronunciation of the word, which includes a distinct “tt” sound. |
| litel | Omitting the “e” | Pay close attention to the word’s components and ensure that all necessary letters are included. |
| littel | Omitting the “t” | Pronounce the word aloud to hear the clear “t” sound. |
Pronunciation
The word “little” is pronounced differently depending on the variety of English being spoken. In General American English, it is pronounced with a short “i” sound, as in the word “sit”. In British Received Pronunciation, it is pronounced with a short “e” sound, as in the word “set”.
Phonetic Representation
The phonetic representation of the word “little” in General American English is /ˈlɪtəl/. In British Received Pronunciation, it is /ˈlɪtəl/ or /ˈlɪtl/.
## Common Misspellings
Despite its simplicity, the word “little” is often misspelled. Here are some of the most common misspellings:
– littel
– litel
– litle
– lettle
– latle
Idiomatic Usage of “Little”
The word “little” has various idiomatic uses in the English language, which can add nuance and expressiveness to your writing and speech.
A Little Something
This phrase denotes a small gift or present.
By Little and Little
This idiom means “gradually” or “in small increments.”
Every Little Helps
This phrase suggests that even small contributions can make a significant difference.
Little By Little
Similar to “by little and little,” this idiom conveys the idea of gradual progress.
Little Fish
This phrase refers to someone who is insignificant or unimportant.
Little Kid
This term is used to describe a young child, often in a playful or affectionate manner.
Little One
This endearing term is often used to refer to a baby or toddler.
Little People
This term is used to refer to people with dwarfism.
Little Rock
In addition to being the capital of Arkansas, this idiom refers to something that is insignificant or inconsequential.
Little Stinker
This phrase is used in a playful or affectionate way to describe a mischievous child.
Little White Lie
This is a harmless or trivial lie told to avoid hurt feelings or embarrassment.
A Little
This phrase can be used to express a small amount or quantity, often in a negative sense.
Not a Little
This phrase means “a great deal” or “very much.”
A Little Bit
This phrase is similar to “a little” but implies a smaller or more insignificant amount.
A Little Bit Of
This phrase suggests a small or limited portion of something.
Little By Little
Similar to “by little and little,” this idiom conveys the idea of gradual progress.
A Little Bit of Both
This phrase indicates a combination of two or more things in small quantities.
Little Big Man
This phrase is used to describe someone who acts or appears important but is actually insignificant.
Little Boy Blue
This term refers to a young boy, often depicted in nursery rhymes.
Little Bo Peep
This nursery rhyme character is a shepherdess who loses her sheep.
Little Engine That Could
This is a children’s story about a small locomotive that overcame challenges with determination.
Little Miss Sunshine
This film title refers to a young girl who is optimistic and resilient.
Little Mermaid
This Disney film is based on the fairy tale about a mermaid who falls in love with a human prince.
Little Orphan Annie
This comic strip character is a plucky young orphan girl.
Little Red Riding Hood
This classic fairy tale features a young girl who encounters a wolf in the woods.
Synonyms for “Little”
Tiny, petite, wee, diminutive, small, slight, miniature, microscopic, Lilliputian, and minuscule.
Antonyms for “Little”
Big, large, ample, spacious, voluminous, bulky, grand, huge, massive, and colossal.
Word Origin
The word “little” comes from the Old English word “lytel”, which itself comes from the Proto-Germanic word “*lutilaz”. This word is also the origin of the words “less” and “least”.
Usage
The word “little” can be used as an adjective, an adverb, or a noun.
As an adjective
When used as an adjective, “little” means “small in size or quantity”. For example:
| Sentence | |
|---|---|
|
The cat has a little tail. |
The child has little hands. |
As an adverb
When used as an adverb, “little” means “to a small extent”. For example:
| Sentence | |
|---|---|
|
The child is little tired. |
The movie is little bit boring. |
As a noun
When used as a noun, “little” means “a small amount”. For example:
| Sentence | |
|---|---|
|
The child has a little bit of candy. |
I have a little bit of money left. |
Etymology and Historical Context
The word “little” has a long and complex history, tracing its origins back to Proto-Indo-European. Here is a more detailed breakdown of its etymological journey:
Proto-Indo-European (PIE)
The earliest known form of “little” is believed to be the Proto-Indo-European root *lyd-, meaning “small” or “short.”
Proto-Germanic
In Proto-Germanic, the root *lyd- evolved into *lutilaz, which later became *lūtilaz in Old High German.
Old English
In Old English, the word became “lȳtel,” which meant “small” or “insignificant.”
Middle English
During the Middle English period, “lȳtel” underwent a sound change and became “litel.”
Early Modern English
In Early Modern English, “litel” was simplified to “little,” which remains the standard spelling today.
The word “little” has undergone various spelling changes over time, from its PIE root *lyd- to its modern form. These changes reflect the evolving phonology and orthography of the languages through which it has passed.
How to Spell Little
The word “little” is a common word that can be difficult to spell for some people. Here are a few tips on how to spell it correctly:
- The first letter is “L”.
- The second letter is “I”.
- The third letter is “T”.
- The fourth letter is “T”.
- The fifth letter is “L”.
- The sixth letter is “E”.
Here is a trick to help you remember how to spell “little”: “Little” is a small word, so it has a lot of little letters.
People Also Ask About How to Spell Little
How do you spell “little” in the past tense?
The past tense of “little” is “littler”.
How do you spell “little” in the present tense?
The present tense of “little” is “little”.
How do you spell “little” in the future tense?
The future tense of “little” is “littler”.
