Difference between 'few' and 'a few'.

'A few' and 'few' are used with plural nouns and a plural verb. 'A few' has a positive meaning. It indicates that there is a small number of things mentioned but it's a sufficient amount. 'Few' has a negative meaning. It indicates that the things mentioned are not many and not enough.

・Few people attended the event.
(= Almost no one attended the event.) 

・A few people attended the event.
 (= A small number of people attended the event.) 

・I have few books. I need to buy a new one.

・I have a few books. I can read one of them.

In spoken language, instead of the word 'few', the words very few or only a few are used, which have the same meaning.

・Very few students passed the test.

・There were only a few apples in the basket.

Example Sentences

・There are few books on the shelf.

・She found a few shells on the beach.

・There are few places as beautiful as this.

・She had a few suggestions for the project.

・There are very few clouds in the sky today. 

・He spent a few hours reading in the library.

・Few people enjoy waking up early on weekends.

・She has few friends in her new neighborhood

・She needed only a few minutes to finish her homework.