Today, let’s dive into a quick yet essential topic: the distinction between “fewer” and “less” in English. While grammar may not always be the most exciting subject, mastering it is crucial for anyone learning a new language. Understanding these terms will enhance your communication skills!
“The more you say, the less people remember. The fewer the words, the greater the profit.” – François Fénelon.
When to Use Fewer and Less
The term “fewer” serves as the comparative form of the adjective “few.” It applies specifically to countable nouns—those that can be quantified, such as “one cat” or “two cats.”
The word less is the comparative form of the adjective little. It is mainly used with uncountable nouns (e.g. water, sand, money).
Examples:
- A secretary makes less money than a CEO.
- There were fewer tomatoes in the basket than we had hoped.
- We went to the countryside every weekend, but now we have less time for it.
- Billy has fewer toys than his older brother.
Less can also be used before a plural noun (informal speech), but this is not typical.
Examples:
- Now I’ve got fewer tasks than I used to have.
- Now I’ve got less tasks than I used to have.
Less and fewer are sometimes used with the preposition of before determiners (the, my, this, etc.) and pronouns (her, us it).
Examples:
- Last year there were lot of students in the drama class, but this year there are fewer of them.
- Did he drink half the milk? No, he drank less of it.
- I wish my brother spent less of his time playing computer games.
The preposition of is not used before a noun without a determiner.
Examples:
- If you want to be healthy, you should eat less sweets and pasta and do some yoga.
- Mark won fewer prizes than his opponent.
“Less” and “fewer” can stand alone, meaning they don’t always need a noun to convey their message. This works well when the context is clear or when they substitute for an indefinite article.
Examples:
- If you practice less, you will improve less.
- Did you buy 5 dresses? No, bought fewer/less.
- He often eats less than he should.
And that’s all.
I hope that I’ve helped you to use fewer and less appropriately in English.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between ‘fewer’ and ‘less’?
‘Fewer’ is used with countable nouns, while ‘less’ is used with uncountable nouns.
Can ‘less’ be used with plural nouns?
‘Less’ can be used with plural nouns in informal speech, but this usage is not typical.
Can ‘fewer’ and ‘less’ stand alone?
Yes, ‘fewer’ and ‘less’ can stand alone when the context is clear or when substituting for an indefinite article.
What are some examples of countable nouns?
Countable nouns include items like ‘cats’, ‘toys’, or ‘prizes’.
How should ‘less’ be used with the preposition ‘of’?
‘Less’ can be used with the preposition ‘of’ before determiners and pronouns, but not before a noun without a determiner.
