English Grammar: Choosing the Correct Word for Friends

A. few

The correct answer is 'few'. Here's why:

• 'Few' means 'not many' and is used with countable nouns (things you can count). In this case, we're talking about friends, which are countable.
• 'A few' means 'some' or 'a small number'. It implies there are a few friends, but not many.
• 'Little' and 'a little' are used with uncountable nouns (things you can't count, like water or time).

Since the sentence implies the boy doesn't have many friends, 'few' is the most accurate choice.