Fewer vs. Less Meaning, Difference, and When to Use Each Correctly
Summary
Less is used with uncountable nouns (things measured as a whole).
Use fewer for items you can count; use less for amounts, quantities, or mass nouns.
Introduction
“Fewer” and “less” are common words in English, but many learners—and even native speakers—confuse them.
Although both relate to a smaller amount, they follow different grammar rules depending on whether a noun is countable or uncountable.
This guide covers:
● What fewer means
● What less means
● The key grammar rule
● Clear examples of each
● Common exceptions
● Everyday mistakes
● A simple quiz to test your understanding
What Does “Fewer” Mean?
Fewer is used with countable nouns — things you can count individually.
✔ Meaning
A smaller number of countable items.
✔ Examples (Countable)
Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
I have fewer books than you. | Books can be counted. |
The store has fewer customers today. | Customers are countable. |
She made fewer mistakes this time. | Mistakes can be counted. |
Countable Nouns Include:
● books
● cars
● people
● apples
● ideas
● chairs
● mistakes
What Does “Less” Mean?
Less is used with uncountable nouns — things not counted individually, but measured as a whole.
✔ Meaning
A smaller amount of something.
✔ Examples (Uncountable)
Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
I drink less water now. | Water is uncountable. |
We have less time than expected. | Time is uncountable. |
The recipe needs less sugar. | Sugar is uncountable. |
Uncountable Nouns Include:
● time
● money
● water
● sugar
● air
● traffic
● electricity
Fewer vs. Less（Side-by-Side Comparison）
Feature | Fewer | Less |
|---|---|---|
Used with | Countable nouns | Uncountable nouns |
Meaning | A smaller number | A smaller amount |
Example | Fewer cars | Less traffic |
Question to ask | “Can I count them?” | “Is it a mass/quantity?” |
Memory tip | Fewer = “number” | Less = “amount” |
How to Remember the Difference
✔ Trick #1: Count vs. Measure
● If you can count it → use fewer
● If you measure it → use less
✔ Trick #2: Use the test sentence
Try replacing the word with number of vs. amount of:
● “Number of” → fewer
● “Amount of” → less
✔ Trick #3: Think of shopping signs
Correct: “10 items or fewer”
Common but grammatically wrong: “10 items or less”
(Some stores now use “fewer” to be grammatically correct.)
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
❌ Mistake 1: Using “less” with countable nouns
● ❌ There are less people today.
● ✔ There are fewer people today.
❌ Mistake 2: Using “fewer” with uncountable nouns
● ❌ I have fewer money.
● ✔ I have less money.
❌ Mistake 3: Confusing plural vs. singular nouns
● Fewer → plural (fewer books, fewer cars)
● Less → singular mass noun (less traffic, less time)
Real-World Examples
✔ Fewer (countable)
● Fewer students attended the lecture this week.
● We need fewer meetings and more action.
● She made fewer errors in her essay.
✔ Less (uncountable)
● He showed less interest than before.
● We spent less money this month.
● There’s less noise at night.
Exceptions You Should Know
✔ Exception 1: “Less” with measurements
Even though numbers are countable, English uses less for:
● distances
● time periods
● money
● weights
Examples:
● The trip took less than three hours.
● The shoes cost less than $50.
● He weighs less than before.
✔ Exception 2: Fixed expressions
Some phrases traditionally use less, even with countables:
● Less than 10% of people…
● Less than three miles…
Mini Quiz
Choose the correct word.
1. There were ____ cars on the road today.
2. We have ____ time to finish the project.
3. She ate ____ cookies than yesterday.
4. He spent ____ money this month.
Answers:
1) fewer
2) less
3) fewer
4) less
FAQ
1. Is “less” always wrong with countable nouns?
Not always—time, money, and measurements commonly use less.
2. Why do people mix these up?
Because both mean a smaller amount, but the grammar rules differ.
3. Can “less” ever sound more natural?
Yes. In casual spoken English, many native speakers use “less” in both situations.
4. Which form should I use in formal writing?
Always follow the rule:
● Fewer = countable
● Less = uncountable
Conclusion
To choose the correct word, remember:
● Fewer = smaller number (countable)
● Less = smaller amount (uncountable)
This rule will help you write clearly and correctly in both formal and everyday English.
