"less candy" vs "fewer candies"

Question

"less candy" vs "fewer candies"

Both 'less candy' and 'fewer candies' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Less candy' is used when referring to an uncountable noun like 'candy' in general, while 'fewer candies' is used when referring to a countable noun like 'candies'.

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

Use 'less candy' when you are talking about a quantity of candy that cannot be counted individually, such as 'less candy in the jar'.

Examples:

I want to eat less candy to be healthier.
There is less candy in this bag than in the other one.

Alternatives:

less sugar
less chocolate
less dessert
less junk food
less sweetness

Use 'fewer candies' when you are talking about a specific number of individual candies, such as 'fewer candies in the jar'.

Examples:

There are fewer candies in this jar than in that one.
I bought fewer candies this year compared to last year.

Alternatives:

fewer sweets
fewer treats
fewer confections
fewer lollipops
fewer chocolates

Answer 1

less candy

This phrase is correct when referring to an uncountable noun like 'candy'.

Answer 2

fewer candies

This phrase is correct when referring to a countable noun like 'candies'.

"less candy" vs "fewer candies"

less candy

fewer candies

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