Fewer vs Less
Published January 23, 2023. Updated January 23, 2023.
Fewer and less are two words that have similar meanings but different uses. Fewer is a determiner used “when quantifying a number of countable things.” On the other hand, Less is a determiner used “when quantifying something that is not countable.”
Here are some definitions and examples to help make the use of these words clearer.
Fewer (determiner)
When quantifying a number of countable things
Examples:
I am planning to buy fewer gifts for my loved ones for Christmas this year because of my money situation.
When you are in graduate school, you will find that you will need to take fewer classes to complete your degree, but only because the performance expectation is higher.
Remember that when you are using fewer, whatever you are quantifying can be counted or numbered.
Less (determiner)
When quantifying something that is not countable
Examples:
Now that I am busy with my new job, I am finding myself to be less productive at home.
She has been less enthusiastic about going out because of the spike in COVID.
When using less, ask yourself this: Can the noun be quantified? Can feelings like happiness or enthusiasm be counted? Since they cannot, when comparing them negatively, you will need to use the determiner less. Another way to think about this is by making the noun plural. If the noun cannot be plural, you need to use less.
Main Points
- Fewer is a determiner used to quantify nouns that can be counted
- Less is a determiner used to quantify nouns that cannot be counted
- If you need more help remembering the difference between each word, think of how fewer is in front of touchable objects in the world, whereas less quantifies feelings and non-tangible ideas.