Correct Usage of Less and Fewer

Correct Usage of Less and Fewer. Stop! Are you confused about when to use “less” and when to use “fewer”? Worry no more, because we’re here to help you unravel this perplexing grammatical conundrum. By the time you’ve finished reading this blog post, you’ll be a master at distinguishing between these two often-misused words. So, let’s jump right in!

The Basics: “Less” vs. “Fewer”

Both “less” and “fewer” are used to indicate a smaller quantity or amount of something, but they are not interchangeable.

Fewer: The Countable Champion

“Fewer” is used with countable nouns, i.e., things you can count individually, like apples, cars, or people. When you’re talking about a lower number of countable items, “fewer” is your go-to word.

Here are a few examples:

• “She ate fewer cookies than her brother.”
• “There were fewer people at the concert than expected.”
• “I have fewer assignments to complete this week.”

Less: The Uncountable Hero

On the other hand, “less” is used with uncountable nouns, which are things that can’t be counted individually. These can include abstract concepts or substances, such as time, money, or water. When you’re referring to a smaller amount or degree of something uncountable, “less” is the word you need.

Check out these examples:

• “I spent less time on social media this week.”
• “The recipe calls for less sugar than I thought.”
• “He has less patience than his sister.”

The Exceptions: Because English Is Tricky!

Like any good rule, there are exceptions when it comes to using “less” and “fewer.” Here are a couple of instances where things get a bit murky:

1. Measurements and Distances

When dealing with measurements, time, distance, or money, you might find yourself using “less” even though they can technically be counted. Why? Because in these cases, we often think of them as single, continuous quantities.

Examples:

• “The cake needs less than 30 minutes to bake.”
• “The hotel is less than 5 miles away.”
• “She spent less than $20 on groceries.”

2. The “Less” Idioms

English is full of idioms and phrases that bend the rules a bit. Some common phrases use “less” even with countable nouns, and because they are idiomatic expressions, they’re considered correct.

Examples:

• “He’s no less than six feet tall.”
• “I couldn’t care less how many people show up.”

Quick Recap: “Less” or “Fewer”?

To summarize, here’s a quick and easy way to remember the difference:

• Use fewer with countable nouns.
• Use less with uncountable nouns.
• Be aware of exceptions, like measurements and idioms.

And there you have it! With this handy guide, you should now be able to use “less” and “fewer” with confidence. So go forth, and spread your grammatical wisdom, because we could all use a little less confusion and a fewer number of mistakes in our lives.

Practice Makes Perfect: “Less” and “Fewer” Exercises

Let’s put your newfound knowledge to the test with some exercises. Fill in the blanks with either “less” or “fewer,” and check your answers at the end.

Exercise 1

1. The new car model consumes _ fuel than the previous one.
2. The store has _ than 10 items left in stock.
3. She has _ experience in marketing than her colleague.
4. The garden requires _ maintenance than we initially thought.
5. The company hired _ employees this year due to budget constraints.

Exercise 2: Spot the Mistake

Read the following sentences and identify which ones use “less” or “fewer” incorrectly. Can you fix the errors?

1. I need to eat less sweets to maintain a healthy diet.
2. He showed fewer interest in the project after the initial excitement wore off.
3. There are fewer than 50 books on the shelf.
4. She practiced for less than two hours before her performance.
5. The artist used fewer colors in his latest painting.

Answers:

Exercise 1

1. less
2. fewer
3. less
4. less
5. fewer

Exercise 2: Spot the Mistake

1. Incorrect. Use “fewer” instead: “I need to eat fewer sweets to maintain a healthy diet.”
2. Incorrect. Use “less” instead: “He showed less interest in the project after the initial excitement wore off.”
3. Correct.
4. Correct.
5. Correct.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully navigated the treacherous waters of “less” and “fewer.” Keep practicing, and soon enough, you’ll be able to use these words with ease in your everyday writing and conversations. Remember, the key to mastering any language skill is consistent practice and application. So, continue to challenge yourself with more grammar exercises, and in no time, you’ll become a true wordsmith!

Here’s a list of examples showcasing the correct usage of fewer and less. Remember that “lesser” is a different word from “less,” and it is used in different contexts. It typically means “smaller in size, amount, or importance.”

Examples with fewer:

1. This year, there were fewer attendees at the conference.
2. I’ve decided to drink fewer cups of coffee per day.
3. The new supermarket stocks fewer items than the old one.
4. The teacher assigned fewer problems for tonight’s homework.
5. To reduce waste, we should use fewer plastic bags.
6. He made fewer mistakes on his test this time.
7. The library has fewer books on this topic than I expected.

Examples with less:

1. I want to consume less sugar in my diet.
2. She spends less time watching TV nowadays.
3. The new regulations require less paperwork for small businesses.
4. This fabric is less expensive than the one we used before.
5. He seems less confident after receiving criticism.
6. The new version of the software uses less memory.
7. The kitten showed less interest in the new toy than the older cat.

Examples with lesser:

1. The lesser of two evils is often the better choice.
2. The hero defeated the lesser villains before confronting the main antagonist.
3. The lesser known author turned out to be a fantastic speaker at the event.
4. The company focused on lesser priorities, neglecting the most important issues.
5. This bird species is lesser in size compared to its close relatives.
6. The lesser populated city was a welcome change from the bustling metropolis.
7. The lesser cuts of meat were used to make stew.