The word "little" can function as different types of words depending on the context:
- Adjective: It describes something as small in size, amount, or degree. For example, "a little kitten" or "little hope".
- Determiner: It is used before a noun to indicate a small amount or extent, often with uncountable nouns. For example, "little money" or "a little ice cream".
- Pronoun: It can stand in for a small amount or number of something when the quantity is understood from context. For example, "We did very little on Sunday".
- Adverb: It describes the extent or degree to which something is done, often meaning "not much" or "slightly." For example, "He speaks little about his personal life" or "She cares little for what others think".
In summary, "little" can be an adjective, determiner, pronoun, or adverb depending on its use in a sentence.
