The Difference Between ‘Less’ and ‘Fewer’
Do you ever find yourself confused about when to use ‘less’ and when to use ‘fewer’? You’re not alone! These two words may seem similar, but they actually have distinct grammatical rules. Let’s delve into the differences between the two.
Understanding ‘Less’
When you want to indicate a smaller amount of something, you should use ‘less.’ For example, “I have less money than I thought” or “There is less sugar in this recipe.” ‘Less’ is typically used with uncountable nouns, such as ‘money’ or ‘sugar.’
On the Other Hand…
‘Fewer,’ on the other hand, is used when you want to refer to a smaller number of discrete items. For example, “There are fewer apples in the basket” or “Mom buys fewer cookies than dad.” ‘Fewer’ is used with countable nouns, such as ‘apples’ or ‘cookies.’
Common Mistakes
One common mistake that people make is using ‘less’ when they should use ‘fewer.’ For instance, saying “I have less cookies than you” is incorrect because ‘cookies’ is countable. The correct phrase would be “I have fewer cookies than you.”
Another mistake is using ‘fewer’ when ‘less’ is appropriate. For example, saying “There are fewer sugar in this bowl” is incorrect because ‘sugar’ is uncountable. The correct phrase would be “There is less sugar in this bowl.”
Finding the Right Word
To determine whether to use ‘less’ or ‘fewer,’ simply assess whether the noun you are referring to is countable or uncountable. If it can be counted individually, use ‘fewer.’ If it cannot be counted individually, use ‘less.’
Practice Makes Perfect
By practicing using ‘less’ and ‘fewer’ correctly in your writing and speaking, you can improve your grammar skills and avoid common mistakes. Remember: ‘less’ for uncountable nouns and ‘fewer’ for countable nouns.
Conclusion
Now that you understand the difference between ‘less’ and ‘fewer,’ you can confidently use these words in your daily communication. Keep practicing and soon using the correct term will become second nature.
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