Fewer vs. Less: Which Is Correct? - Oxbridge Editing

The debate between “fewer” and “less” is one that often confuses even the most seasoned writers and speakers of English. While both words are used to describe a smaller quantity or number, they are not interchangeable. Understanding when to use “fewer” vs. “less” is essential for clear and accurate communication, whether in academic writing, business documents, or everyday conversation.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between “fewer” and “less,” look at the rules governing their usage, and provide practical examples to help you master the correct use of these terms. By the end of this post, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to confidently choose between “fewer” and “less” in any context.

Less vs Fewer: Grammar Rules

What is the rule for using less and fewer? The basic rule for using “less” and “fewer” is quite simple:

• “Fewer” is used with countable nouns (things you can count individually).
• “Less” is used with uncountable nouns (things that cannot be counted individually or are measured in bulk).

Countable vs. Uncountable Nouns

To determine whether a noun is countable or uncountable, ask yourself if you can count the item in question as individual units.

Countable nouns: These are items that you can count one by one. Examples include apples, books, chairs, and cars. Since these items can be counted individually, you would use “fewer” to describe a smaller number of them.

Example: “Fewer cars on the road would reduce traffic congestion.”

Uncountable nouns: These are items that cannot be counted individually and are often considered as a whole or a mass. Examples include water, sugar, money, and time. For these, you would use “less” to indicate a smaller quantity.

Example: “There is less water in the lake this year due to the drought.”

Examples of Fewer vs. Less

Let’s look at some specific examples to illustrate the difference between “fewer” and “less.”

Fewer:

• Correct: “She has fewer books than I do.”
• Incorrect: “She has less books than I do.” In this case, “books” is a countable noun, so “fewer” is the correct choice.

Less:

• Correct: “I need less sugar in my tea.”
• Incorrect: “I need fewer sugar in my tea.” Here, “sugar” is uncountable, so “less” is the appropriate word to use.

Common Situations Where Fewer vs. Less Causes Confusion

Even with the basic rule in mind, there are situations where the correct choice might not be immediately clear. Let’s examine a few of these scenarios.

Time and Money

Time:
Time is typically considered an uncountable noun, so “less” is generally correct.

• Example: “I have less time to complete the project than I expected.”
• However, if you’re talking about specific units of time (like hours or minutes), you would use “fewer.” (Example: “I worked fewer hours this week.”)

Money:
Money is uncountable, so “less” is used.

• Example: “I have less money than I need for the trip.”
• If you’re talking about specific units (like coins or notes), “fewer” would be appropriate. (Example: “I have fewer coins in my pocket than yesterday.”)

Distance and Weight

Distance:
Distance is typically treated as uncountable, so “less” is used.

• Example: “The journey will take less time if we take the shortcut.”
• But if you’re counting specific units of distance (like miles or kilometres), “fewer” might be correct. (Example: “There are fewer miles to cover if we take this route.”)

Weight:
Weight is usually uncountable, so “less” is used.

• Example: “I need less weight on the barbell for this exercise.”

Abstract Nouns

Abstract nouns like happiness, information, and knowledge are typically uncountable, so “less” is used.

• Example: “There is less information available on this topic.”

Fewer or Less Than: When to Use Each

The phrase “fewer than” is used with countable nouns, while “less than” is used with uncountable nouns. However, this distinction can get tricky in certain contexts.

When dealing with numbers or measurements, “less than” is often used, even if the item is technically countable.

• Example: “Less than 20% of the population voted in the election.”
• However, “fewer than” would be correct if you’re talking about discrete items. (Example: “Fewer than 20 people attended the meeting.”)

In many cases, particularly with quantities or measurements, “less than” has become widely accepted, though “fewer than” might technically be more accurate.

When Do You Use Less or Fewer in Writing?

In formal writing, adhering to the fewer vs. less grammar rule is important for maintaining clarity and professionalism. In academic or business documents, using “fewer” with countable nouns and “less” with uncountable nouns will help you communicate your ideas precisely.

Here are a few tips for ensuring you’re using these terms correctly in your writing:

• Identify the noun: Determine whether the noun is countable or uncountable before deciding whether to use “fewer” or “less.”
• Context matters: Consider the context in which you’re writing. If you’re dealing with measurements or quantities, “less than” might be more appropriate, even with countable nouns.
• Be consistent: If you’re writing a document that requires formal language, stick to the fewer vs. less grammar rule consistently to maintain professionalism.

Less vs. Fewer: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a solid understanding of the rules, mistakes can still happen. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them:

Incorrect: “There were less people at the event this year.”

Correct: “There were fewer people at the event this year.”

Incorrect: “I have less assignments to complete this term.”

Correct: “I have fewer assignments to complete this term.”

To Sum Up

Understanding the difference between “fewer” and “less” is a key aspect of mastering English grammar. While the basic rule is straightforward, the nuances of when to use fewer vs. less can be tricky, especially in complex sentences or specific contexts.

By paying attention to whether a noun is countable or uncountable, and by practising with examples, you can develop a strong command of these terms. Whether you’re writing an academic paper, drafting a business proposal, or simply conversing in everyday life, using “fewer” and “less” correctly will enhance your communication skills and help you convey your message with precision.

If you’re still unsure about your grammar, or if you need help editing your documents—whether academic or business-related—our expert team is here to assist. We can review your work, ensuring that your grammar is flawless and your message is clear. Get a bespoke quote today and eliminate those pesky grammar doubts!