"there were less people" vs "there were fewer people"

Question

"there were less people" vs "there were fewer people"

The correct phrase is 'there were fewer people.' 'Fewer' is used with countable nouns like 'people,' while 'less' is used with uncountable nouns. In this case, 'people' is countable, so 'fewer' is the appropriate choice.

Last Updated: March 06, 2024

Use 'fewer' when referring to a smaller number of countable items. In this case, 'fewer people' indicates a smaller number of individuals.

Examples:

There were fewer people at the party this year.
I hope there will be fewer people in line tomorrow.
She invited fewer people to the event.
The store had fewer people shopping during the week.
Fewer people attended the concert than expected.

Alternatives:

there were fewer attendees
there were fewer participants
there were fewer guests
there were fewer individuals
there were fewer spectators

Answer 1

there were less people

This phrase is incorrect. 'Less' should not be used with countable nouns like 'people.'

Answer 2

there were fewer people

This phrase is correct. 'Fewer' is used with countable nouns like 'people.'

"there were less people" vs "there were fewer people"

there were less people

there were fewer people

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