Using “Fewer” vs. “Less” With Countable and Uncountable Nouns

In the maze of English grammar, the distinction between “fewer” and “less” stands as one of the frequent areas of confusion. Though both words suggest a reduced quantity, they are used in different contexts. By understanding the fundamental difference in their applications—namely countable versus uncountable nouns—we can enhance the accuracy and finesse of our communication.

“Fewer” and Countable Nouns

“Fewer” is the comparative form of “few” and pertains to countable nouns. These are items you can enumerate or count individually.

• There are fewer students in the classroom today.
• I have fewer apples than you.

In both cases, the nouns in question—students and apples—are countable. You can tally the number of students or apples, making “fewer” the suitable choice.

“Less” and Uncountable Nouns

On the other hand, “less” aligns with uncountable nouns—items that can’t be counted as distinct entities but are instead measured or gauged.

• There is less water in the jug.
• She has less patience now.

Water and patience are uncountable. You can’t count “one, two, three waters” in the same way you can count apples. Instead, water would be measured in liters or gallons. Similarly, patience isn’t quantified by numbers but gauged in degree.

Exceptions to the Rule

English, being a language rich in exceptions, does have instances where “less” appears with countable nouns. This is especially common in contexts of time, money, distance, and weight.

• The meeting lasted less than two hours.
• The dress costs less than ten dollars.
• We live less than five miles apart.
• The package weighs less than three kilograms.

In these situations, the emphasis is on the measurement as a whole, not on individual countable units, making “less” the more idiomatic choice.

The Grey Areas: Where “Fewer” and “Less” Intersect

There are instances where either “fewer” or “less” could be used, but the choice might affect the nuance of the message.

For example, consider the sentence:

I want fewer/less desserts.

If “fewer” is chosen, the emphasis is on wanting a smaller number of individual dessert items. Using “less,” on the other hand, emphasizes wanting a smaller amount of dessert in general.

Another scenario is supermarket express lanes. You might see a sign that reads “10 items or less,” which, though commonly accepted, isn’t technically correct if referring to individual countable items. “10 items or fewer” would be grammatically accurate.

Tips on Using Fewer vs. Less

1. Identify the Noun: Before choosing between “fewer” and “less,” identify if the noun is countable or uncountable. It sets the direction for the right word choice.
2. Contextual Exceptions: Remember the contexts of time, money, distance, and weight. These areas often favor “less” even with seemingly countable measures.
3. Supermarket Signs: While “10 items or less” is widely accepted in supermarkets, aim for “fewer” with countable items in formal writing.
4. Feel the Nuance: In grey areas, consider the nuance you want to convey. Do you mean individual units or the general quantity?
5. Practice Makes Perfect: Engage with varied reading materials. Exposure to well-written content can reinforce correct usage intuitively.

The distinction between “fewer” and “less” is more than a mere grammar rule. It’s about conveying precise quantities and making our messages clear. By understanding the intricacies of countable and uncountable nouns, and by being mindful of the exceptions, we can navigate this aspect of English with confidence.

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