Vocabulary
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Quick Overview: Less vs. Fewer
Example:
Why the Confusion?
There are a few reasons why people commonly mix up less and fewer:
In casual conversation, people often say “less” even when referring to countable nouns (like “less people” instead of “fewer people”). Over time, this habit has become so widespread that it sounds natural to many, even though it’s technically incorrect.
Phrases like “10 items or less” (instead of “10 items or fewer”) are often seen in stores and advertising. These incorrect uses have become part of everyday language, leading to confusion.
Some nouns can be tricky to classify as countable or uncountable, and English learners (and even native speakers) can struggle with distinguishing these. Words like “time,” “money,” and “space” often blur the lines, making less seem like a safer default.
Key Differences with Examples
Let’s break down when to use “less” and “fewer” with more examples to make things clear.
Use “less” with nouns that represent amounts rather than individual items. These are usually uncountable nouns, meaning you can’t separate them into units.
Use “fewer” when talking about nouns that can be counted. These are usually plural nouns.
Practice Time!
Try to fill in the blanks with less or fewer:
Answers: