Fewer vs Less: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Fewer" is used with countable nouns, while "less" is used with uncountable nouns.
Memory Tip: fewer = count items, less = uncountable items
fewer /ˈfjuːər/
adjectiveUsed to indicate a smaller number of people or things.
Example:
If we recycle more, there will be fewer plastic bottles in the ocean.
Common patterns:
fewer options
fewer people
fewer problems
less /lɛs/
pronounA smaller amount or number of something.
Example:
If you add less sugar to the tea, it will taste healthier.
Common patterns:
less than
less of
Common Mistakes
There is fewer water in the bottle than before.
There is less water in the bottle than before.
Water is an uncountable noun, so 'less' is the correct word to use.
She has less books on her shelf than I do.
She has fewer books on her shelf than I do.
Books are countable nouns, so 'fewer' is the correct word to use.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. If we recycle more, there will be ____ plastic bottles in the ocean.
2. If you add ____ sugar to the tea, it will taste healthier.
Other Confusing Words
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