Less Than vs. Fewer Than: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on November 22, 2023
"Less than" is used for uncountable quantities or amounts, while "fewer than" is used for countable, discrete items.
Key Differences
"Less than" is correctly used when referring to singular mass nouns or quantities that are not countable, such as time, money, or volume. "Fewer than," on the other hand, is used with plural count nouns, referring to a number of individual items or units.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
"Less than" is appropriate for indicating a smaller amount of something that cannot be counted as individual units, like sand or water. "Fewer than" is used when you can count the individual elements, like apples or cars.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
In everyday language, you might use "less than" when talking about time ("less than an hour"), while "fewer than" would be used for countable items ("fewer than 20 participants").
Sumera Saeed
Nov 21, 2023
A common mistake is using "less than" with countable items (e.g., "less than ten people"), where "fewer than" is grammatically correct.
Janet White
Nov 21, 2023
While these rules generally apply, there are exceptions in common usage, such as with distances, periods of time, or amounts of money, where "less than" is often used even with countable units.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Context
Amounts, quantities not in discrete units
Specific, countable numbers of items
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
Exceptions
Time, distance, money (commonly use "less than")
Generally more strict in usage
Janet White
Nov 21, 2023
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Less Than and Fewer Than Definitions
Less Than
Signifying a comparison with a lesser amount or degree.
She received less than the required score on the test.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 15, 2023
Fewer Than
Used to compare a smaller number of countable things.
Fewer than five of the candidates passed the exam.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
Less Than
Used to express a smaller range or degree.
He finished the task in less than an hour.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Fewer Than
Signifying a smaller quantity in number.
He caught fewer than twenty fish on his trip.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
Less Than
Conveying a reduction in quantity or degree.
The patient showed less than usual interest in the activities.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
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Fewer Than
A comparative term for a smaller count of items.
She made fewer than three errors in her report.
Harlon Moss
Nov 15, 2023
Less Than
Indicating a quantity lower than a specified reference.
There was less than half a tank of gas left in the car.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
Fewer Than
Not as many as a certain number of countable items.
There were fewer than ten people at the meeting.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 15, 2023
Less Than
Smaller in amount, degree, or extent.
The recipe called for less than a teaspoon of salt.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
Fewer Than
Indicating a reduction in the number of countable items.
Fewer than half the students attended the lecture.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2023
FAQs
Can 'less than' be used with numbers?
Yes, with uncountable quantities, like "less than two liters."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
Is 'fewer than' appropriate for time?
Generally, no. "Less than" is usually used for time, like "less than two hours."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
When should I use 'less than' instead of 'fewer than'?
Use "less than" for singular mass nouns or uncountable amounts.
Janet White
Nov 21, 2023
What does 'less than' mean?
"Less than" refers to a smaller amount or degree, typically used with uncountable nouns.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
What does 'fewer than' mean?
"Fewer than" is used to denote a smaller number of countable items.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 21, 2023
Is it correct to say 'fewer than 50 percent'?
Yes, if referring to countable items or units.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
Can 'fewer than' be used for singular nouns?
No, it's used with plural count nouns.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
Can I use 'less than' with countable items?
It's grammatically incorrect; "fewer than" should be used with countable items.
Harlon Moss
Nov 21, 2023
How do I choose between 'less than' and 'fewer than' for distances?
"Less than" is often used for distances, though technically, "fewer than" could be correct in some contexts.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 21, 2023
Is it ever acceptable to use 'less than' with plural nouns?
Yes, in cases like time, distance, and collective quantities.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
Are these rules the same in British and American English?
Generally yes, though there may be slight variations in usage.
Harlon Moss
Nov 21, 2023
Can 'fewer than' be used with fractions or percentages?
Yes, when referring to countable units.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 21, 2023
Can 'less than' and 'fewer than' be used interchangeably in casual speech?
While common in casual speech, it's not grammatically correct.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
What's a common mistake with 'less than' and 'fewer than'?
Using "less than" with countable items, where "fewer than" is correct.
Janet White
Nov 21, 2023
Does the choice of 'less than' vs. 'fewer than' change the meaning?
It can subtly change the emphasis from quantity to number.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
Is 'less than' or 'fewer than' correct for money?
"Less than" is typically used for amounts of money.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 21, 2023
Is it correct to use 'less than' with age?
Yes, like "less than 30 years old."
Aimie Carlson
Nov 21, 2023
How important is the distinction in professional or academic writing?
The distinction is more important in formal writing for clarity and correctness.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 21, 2023
Are there exceptions to these rules?
Yes, especially with time, distance, and money, where "less than" is commonly used.
Janet White
Nov 21, 2023
Why is 'fewer than' less commonly used?
It may be due to less familiarity and the versatility of 'less than' in various contexts.
Janet White
Nov 21, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
