"Less" vs "fewer"

Question

"Less" vs "fewer"

The choice between 'less' and 'fewer' depends on whether you are referring to countable or uncountable nouns. 'Less' is used with uncountable nouns, while 'fewer' is used with countable nouns.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

Use 'less' when referring to uncountable nouns, such as 'less sugar' or 'less water.'

Examples:

I need less sugar in my coffee.
She has less money than before.

Alternatives:

not as much
reduced
decreased
lower

Use 'fewer' when referring to countable nouns, such as 'fewer apples' or 'fewer people.'

Examples:

I have fewer books than you.
There are fewer students in the class.

Alternatives:

not as many
reduced in number
decreased in quantity
lower in count

Answer 1

Less

This is correct when referring to uncountable nouns.

Answer 2

fewer

This is correct when referring to countable nouns.

"Less" vs "fewer"

Less

fewer

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