English learners often struggle with the following distinction: less versus fewer. While these words might seem interchangeable, they serve different grammatical purposes.

Less versus Fewer: How to Use Each Correctly

This article will clarify their formal, standard uses and touch upon the more flexible, informal use of “less” in everyday speech.

Formal, Standard Use

Fewer

“Fewer” is used with countable nouns—items you can count individually. If you can ask “how many?” about the noun, “fewer” is the correct choice. Here are some examples:

• Fewer apples: You can count apples (one apple, two apples, three apples, etc.).
• Fewer books: You can count books (one book, two books, three books, etc.).
• Fewer people: You can count people (one person, two people, three people, etc.).

Example Sentences:

• There are fewer students in the classroom this year.
• She has fewer candies than her brother.
• We need to use fewer plastic bags to protect the environment.

Less

“Less” is used with uncountable nouns—substances or concepts that cannot be divided into individual elements you can count. If you can ask “how much?” about the noun, “less” is appropriate. Examples include:

• Less water: You cannot count water (you measure it in liters, not by counting individual units).
• Less money: You cannot count money as a substance (you count currency, but money itself is uncountable).
• Less time: Time is a concept, not an item you can count.

Example Sentences:

• There is less sugar in this recipe.
• I have less time to finish my project today.
• They need less information to make a decision.

Informal, Everyday Use

In everyday spoken English, people often use “less” with countable nouns, even though it’s not strictly correct according to standard grammar. This informal usage has become widely accepted in casual conversation, though it remains non-standard in formal writing and speech.

Informal Use of “Less” with Countable Nouns

• Less people: Though non-standard in formal writing and speech, people often say “less people” instead of “fewer people.”
• Less items: In casual conversation, you might hear “less items” instead of “fewer items.”

Examples of “Less” in Informal Writing and Speech:

• There are less cars on the road today.
• He has less friends than his sister.
• The store has less customers on weekdays.

While these usages are common in speech, they should be avoided in formal contexts, such as academic writing or professional communication.

Tips for Remembering the Difference

1. Countable vs. Uncountable: Ask yourself if the noun can be counted. If yes, use “fewer.” If no, use “less.”
2. How Many vs. How Much: If you can ask “how many?” use “fewer.” If you can ask “how much?” use “less.”
3. Practice with Examples: Familiarize yourself with common countable and uncountable nouns and practice using “fewer” and “less” in sentences.

Quick Reference Table

By following these guidelines, you will be able to use “less” and “fewer” correctly in both formal and informal English. Remember, practice makes perfect, so try to incorporate these rules into your daily language use.

Happy learning!