36. Last month was a good month for the company. We found several new customers and also increased our profit.

• Several indicates a moderate but unspecified number, which is appropriate here.

37. Unfortunately, only a few of the companies which we sent offers to showed interest in our products.

• Only a few highlights the low number of companies interested, contrasting with the many contacted.

38. I had a few problems with the printer in the office, but it’s been fixed now.

• A few works well since you're mentioning a small number of printer issues.

39. As so few members had turned up at the meeting, it was decided to postpone it until further notice.

• Here, few emphasizes the lack of attendees, leading to the postponement.

40. We have to spend up – there is very little time to finish the project. The deadline is next Wednesday.

• Very little emphasizes the scarcity of time, urging a faster pace.

41. I strongly recommend investing in these shares because you will get a very good return after only a few years.

• A few suggests a relatively short period for a good return on investment.

42. At the moment we are experiencing some cash flow problems because not enough money is coming in.

• Not enough clarifies the reason for the cash flow issues.

43. There is an extra added to your salary because you will benefit from the inner city allowance.

• Since "extra" is singular, use an before it.

44. The postman doesn’t often come here. We receive very few letters.

• Very few aligns with the infrequent visits by the postman.

45. The snow was getting quite deep. I had little hope of getting home that night.

• Little reflects the speaker's diminishing hope due to the heavy snow.

46. A: I’m having a lot of trouble fixing this shelf -> B: Oh, dear. Can I help you?

• A lot of emphasizes the difficulty the speaker is facing.

47. I shall be away for a few days from tomorrow.

• A few indicates a short absence.

48. Tony is a keen golfer, but unfortunately he has little ability.

• Little describes Tony's lack of golfing skills.

49. I could speak a few words of Swedish, but I wasn’t very fluent.

• A few signifies a limited Swedish vocabulary.

1. Several new customers (We likely found more than a few but not a huge amount)
2. Few of the companies (Not many companies showed interest)
3. A few problems (There were some problems, but not a large number)
4. Few members (There weren't many members at the meeting)
5. Little time (There's a very limited amount of time)
6. A few years (The return on investment will happen in a short period)
7. Not much money (There's a lack of money coming in)
8. An extra (There's one additional amount added)
9. Very few letters (You rarely receive letters)
10. Little hope (There was almost no chance)
11. A bit of trouble (There's a minor difficulty)
12. A few days (The number of days is small)
13. Little ability (Tony's golfing skills are weak)
14. A few words (You knew some Swedish words, but not many)