"far fewer" vs "much fewer"

Question

"far fewer" vs "much fewer"

Both 'much fewer' and 'far fewer' are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Much fewer' is more commonly used in formal or academic writing, while 'far fewer' is more common in everyday spoken English.

Last Updated: March 23, 2024

Use 'far fewer' when you want to indicate a significant decrease in quantity. It is more informal and is often used in spoken language.

Examples:

There were far fewer people at the event than expected.
There are far fewer students in this class compared to last semester.

Alternatives:

much fewer
considerably fewer
substantially fewer
noticeably fewer
markedly fewer

Use 'much fewer' when you want to emphasize a significant reduction in quantity. It is more formal and is often used in academic or formal writing.

Examples:

There were much fewer participants in the second round of the study.
There are much fewer opportunities for advancement in this company.

Alternatives:

significantly fewer
considerably fewer
substantially fewer
noticeably fewer
markedly fewer

Answer 1

far fewer

This phrase is commonly used in everyday spoken English.

Answer 2

much fewer

This phrase is correct but less common in everyday spoken English.

"far fewer" vs "much fewer"

far fewer

much fewer

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