{"id":1145,"date":"2023-01-27T09:52:06","date_gmt":"2023-01-27T09:52:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.paperpal.com\/blog\/?p=1145"},"modified":"2024-02-20T11:28:00","modified_gmt":"2024-02-20T11:28:00","slug":"fewer-vs-less","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paperpal.com\/blog\/academic-writing-guides\/language-grammar\/fewer-vs-less","title":{"rendered":"Fewer vs. Less: Let’s Clear Up The Confusion\u00a0 \u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Fewer vs. less \u2013 the two words have distinct meanings and are used in different contexts in the world of grammar. As researchers and PhD students, it becomes important therefore to understand the subtle differences between these words to make sure your message is conveyed correctly to your readers. Let\u2019s look at some explanations to help you understand the nuances of fewer vs. Less . So, dive in and read on! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Less vs. fewer: A comparison <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Less <\/em>is an adjective meaning “a small amount.” It only applies to mass nouns that cannot be physically counted<\/strong>. Similar to less<\/em>, the word fewer <\/em>also means “a small amount,” but only applies to plural nouns that can be physically counted<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to use less vs. fewer <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Use fewer<\/em> when you intend to describe a plural, countable noun, such as “fewer stones” or “fewer boys.” Use less<\/em> when you want to describe a singular, uncountable noun, such as “less salt” or “less water\u201d. So, whenever you\u2019re confused about the use of less or fewer, check if the noun you are referring to is countable or uncountable, and your confusion should come to rest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, <\/p>\n\n\n\n