Less vs. Fewer: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 3, 2023
"Less" refers to a smaller amount of uncountable nouns, while "Fewer" is used for countable nouns.
Key Differences
The English language often challenges speakers with its nuances, and the distinction between "Less" and "Fewer" is one such subtlety. "Less" is generally used when referring to quantities that are not easily counted or are intangible. For example, you might have less time, less money, or less energy.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
On the other hand, "Fewer" is reserved for items that can be counted individually. Thus, one might have fewer apples, fewer cars, or fewer days. It's a way to quantify discrete items, ensuring that listeners or readers grasp the number of individual units being referred to.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
While both "Less" and "Fewer" indicate a reduction in quantity, their application diverges based on the nature of the noun they modify. Mistakes in their usage often arise from this distinction, sometimes leading to confusion or unclear expressions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Modern colloquial usage, especially in informal contexts, has seen some blending of "Less" and "Fewer". You might hear someone say "I have less books than you", even though the correct form is "I have fewer books than you". While purists might frown upon such usage, language is ever-evolving.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
To simplify, think of "Less" as addressing magnitude or degree and "Fewer" as addressing individual countable units. Mastery of their appropriate usage can enhance clarity and precision in communication.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Related Expressions
"Less than" (used with numbers or quantities)
"Fewer than" (used with countable items)
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Origin
Old English "lǣs" meaning "smaller"
Old English "fēawer" meaning "fewer"
Harlon Moss
Nov 03, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Less and Fewer Definitions
Less
Used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs.
Less expensive options are available.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
Fewer
A reduced number of countable items.
There were fewer people at the event this year.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Less
Indicating a lack or absence of something.
The results were less than satisfactory.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Less
Not as great in amount or quantity
Had less time to spend with the family.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Less
Lower in importance, esteem, or rank
No less a person than the ambassador.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Fewer
Used to emphasize a small number of something.
Fewer than ten tickets were sold.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Fewer
Amounting to or consisting of a small number
One of my few bad habits. See Usage Note at less.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Fewer
Being more than one but indefinitely small in number
Bowled a few strings.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Fewer
An indefinitely small number of persons or things
A few of the books have torn jackets.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Less
Something not as important as something else
People have been punished for less.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Fewer
Inflection of few; a smaller number.
Fewer women wear hats these days.
There are fewer tigers than there were a hundred years ago.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Less
Comparative of little
I slept even less last night than I did the night before.
I like him less each time I see him.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Fewer
(comparative of `few' used with count nouns) quantifier meaning a smaller number of;
Fewer birds came this year
The birds are fewer this year
Fewer trains were late
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Less
Used for constructing syntactic diminutive comparatives of adjectives and adverbs.
Randal is less welcome than Rachel but as her spouse we should invite them both.
This gadget is less useful than I expected.
I'm not any less happy for being on my own.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Less
To a smaller extent or degree.
The grammar book was less than (that is, not at all) helpful.
That this is a positive one makes it no less a stereotype, and therefore unacceptable.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Less
(Now chiefly of numbers or dimensions) little; of inferior size, degree or extent; smaller, lesser.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Less
A smaller amount of; not as much.
No less than eight pints of beer.
I have less tea than coffee.
You have even less sense than an inanimate object.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Less
Fewer; a smaller number of.
There are less people here now.
Now there are three less green bottles hanging on the wall.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Less
Minus; not including
It should then tax all of that as personal income, less the proportion of the car's annual mileage demonstrably clocked up on company business.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Less
A smaller amount or quantity.
Less is better.
I have less to do today than yesterday.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Less
Smaller; not so large or great; not so much; shorter; inferior; as, a less quantity or number; a horse of less size or value; in less time than before.
Thus in less [time] than a hundred years from the coming of Augustine, all England became Christian.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Less
Not so much; in a smaller or lower degree; as, less bright or loud; less beautiful.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Less
A smaller portion or quantity.
The children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Less
(comparative of `little' usually used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning not as great in amount or degree;
Of less importance
Less time to spend with the family
A shower uses less water
Less than three years old
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Less
(usually preceded by `no') lower in esteem;
No less a person than the king himself
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Less
(nonstandard in some uses but often idiomatic with measure phrases) fewer;
Less than three weeks
No less than 50 people attended
In 25 words or less
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Less
Used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs;
Less interesting
Less expensive
Less quickly
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Less
Comparative of little;
She walks less than she should
He works less these days
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
Is "I have less than five apples" correct?
No, it should be "I have fewer than five apples."
Janet White
Nov 03, 2023
Why do some stores say "10 items or less"?
It's a colloquialism, but grammatically, it should be "10 items or fewer."
Janet White
Nov 03, 2023
When should I use "Less"?
Use "Less" for uncountable nouns or quantities, e.g., "less water."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Can I use "Less" with numbers?
Only when referring to a measurement or quantity, like "less than 50%."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Can "Fewer" be used for singular nouns?
No, "Fewer" typically modifies plural countable nouns.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Why do we say "less time" but "fewer minutes"?
"Time" is uncountable, but "minutes" are countable.
Sara Rehman
Nov 03, 2023
Is "Fewer" always followed by a plural noun?
Yes, e.g., "fewer books," "fewer days."
Aimie Carlson
Nov 03, 2023
Can I say "I've less reasons to stay"?
No, it should be "I've fewer reasons to stay."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Is "one less problem" correct?
Yes, "less" can be used with singular nouns when denoting a reduction in quantity.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 03, 2023
Why is "less" used with quantities like "sugar"?
Because quantities or amounts that aren't individually counted use "less."
Aimie Carlson
Nov 03, 2023
Are there exceptions to these rules?
Colloquially, some exceptions exist, but for standard English, stick to the rules.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Is it "less" or "fewer" for distances?
Use "less," as in "less than five miles."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 03, 2023
Why do some people confuse "less" and "fewer"?
It's a common mistake due to overlapping colloquial usage.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 03, 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
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
