"fewer disturbances" vs "less disturbances"

Question

"fewer disturbances" vs "less disturbances"

Both 'less disturbances' and 'fewer disturbances' are commonly used, but they have different contexts. 'Less disturbances' is used when referring to uncountable nouns, while 'fewer disturbances' is used with countable nouns. Therefore, the choice between the two depends on whether 'disturbances' is considered countable or uncountable.

Last Updated: March 23, 2024

Use 'fewer disturbances' when 'disturbances' is considered a countable noun, meaning it can be counted individually.

Examples:

There were fewer disturbances reported in the area last night.
We need to address fewer disturbances to improve the situation.

Alternatives:

reduced disturbances
decreased disturbances
limited disturbances
lower number of disturbances
a smaller amount of disturbances

Use 'less disturbances' when 'disturbances' is considered an uncountable noun, meaning it cannot be easily counted individually.

Examples:

The new policy aims to create less disturbances in the neighborhood.
She tried to cause less disturbances during the meeting.

Alternatives:

reduced disturbances
decreased disturbances
minimal disturbances
limited disturbances
lower level of disturbances

Answer 1

fewer disturbances

This phrase is correct when referring to countable nouns.

Answer 2

less disturbances

This phrase is correct when referring to uncountable nouns.

"fewer disturbances" vs "less disturbances"

fewer disturbances

less disturbances

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