"less data" vs "fewer data"

Question

"less data" vs "fewer data"

The correct phrase is 'less data'. 'Less' is used with uncountable nouns like 'data', while 'fewer' is used with countable nouns. Since 'data' is an uncountable noun, 'less data' is the appropriate choice.

Last Updated: March 23, 2024

Use 'less data' when referring to a smaller amount of uncountable data.

Examples:

We have less data available for analysis this time.
Please provide less data in the report.

Alternatives:

a smaller amount of data
a reduced amount of data
not as much data
limited data
decreased data

Not applicable.

Answer 1

less data

This is correct. 'Less' is used with uncountable nouns like 'data'.

Answer 2

fewer data

This is incorrect. 'Fewer' is used with countable nouns, and 'data' is uncountable.

"less data" vs "fewer data"

less data

fewer data

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