Less vs. Fewer

"Less" and "fewer" are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have a specific grammar rule that can make your writing more precise. Once you learn the simple trick to telling them apart, you'll get it right every time.

The Basic Rule: Can You Count It?

Here's the one thing you need to remember:

• Fewer is for things you can count.
• Less is for things you can't count.

That's it. If you can put a number in front of it, use "fewer." If you can't, use "less."

Fewer: For Things You Can Count

Use fewer when you're talking about people or things that are individual and countable.

Examples of "Fewer"

• There are fewer students in this class than in the last one. (You can count the students.)
• I have fewer than five dollars in my pocket. (You can count the dollars.)
• The grocery store had fewer people in it today. (You can count the people.)
• She made fewer mistakes on her test this time. (You can count the mistakes.)

Less: For Things You Can't Count

Use less when you're talking about a general amount of something that you can't count individually.

Examples of "Less"

• I have less time to work on this project than I thought. (You can't count "time.")
• There is less water in this bottle than in that one. (You can't count "water.")
• He has less money than his brother. (You're talking about the general amount of money, not the individual bills or coins.)
• I feel less stress now that the exam is over. (You can't count "stress.")

The Gray Areas and Exceptions

Like many grammar rules, there are a few tricky situations.

Time, Money, and Distance

Even though you can count the individual units (hours, dollars, miles), we often treat these as a single amount. In these cases, "less" is common and widely accepted.

• The project will take less than six weeks.
• I have less than 50 dollars.
• The town is less than 20 miles away.

The Grocery Store Express Lane

You've probably seen the sign that says "10 items or less." Technically, since you can count the items, it should be "10 items or fewer." But "10 items or less" has become so common that it's now widely accepted.

A Quick Test

1. Can you count the individual items? → Use fewer.
2. Is it a general amount of something? → Use less.

Test Yourself

Choose the right word:

1. There are (less/fewer) cars on the road today.
2. I have (less/fewer) patience for this than I used to.
3. She has (less/fewer) than five minutes to finish.
4. This recipe requires (less/fewer) sugar than the other one.
5. There are (less/fewer) people here than I expected.
6. I'm trying to drink (less/fewer) coffee.
7. He has (less/fewer) responsibilities in his new job.
8. I have (less/fewer) than a hundred followers on Twitter.
9. There is (less/fewer) traffic on the weekends.
10. We need to make (less/fewer) noise.

Answer Key: 1. fewer, 2. less, 3. less, 4. less, 5. fewer, 6. less, 7. fewer, 8. fewer, 9. less, 10. less

Remember: If you can count it, use fewer. If you can't, use less. Master this simple rule, and your writing will be more precise and professional.