Fewer vs Less: Countable vs Uncountable

The Grocery Store Sign Debate, Resolved

Quick Answer

Fewer = countable items (people, cars, apples). Less = uncountable amounts (water, time, money).

Memory trick: Can you count them one by one? Use "fewer." Can't count? Use "less."

When to Use "Fewer" (Countable)

Fewer is for countable nouns—things you can count individually.

  • Fewer people attended. → countable ✓
  • I have fewer apples. → countable ✓
  • There are fewer cars today. → countable ✓
  • She has fewer friends. → countable ✓
  • We made fewer mistakes. → countable ✓

When to Use "Less" (Uncountable)

Less is for uncountable nouns—things measured as a whole.

  • I have less time. → uncountable ✓
  • There's less water. → uncountable ✓
  • I need less sugar. → uncountable ✓
  • She has less patience. → uncountable ✓
  • We have less money. → uncountable ✓

Comparison Chart

Word Definition Trick to Remember Example
Fewer Countable items Can count 1, 2, 3... "Fewer cookies."
Less Uncountable amounts Can't count individually "Less flour."

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

❌ Incorrect:

"I have less friends than before."

✓ Correct:

"I have fewer friends than before."

Why? Friends are countable (1, 2, 3...)—use "fewer."
❌ Incorrect:

"There is fewer water in the glass."

✓ Correct:

"There is less water in the glass."

Why? Water is uncountable—use "less."
❌ Incorrect:

"Less people came today."

✓ Correct:

"Fewer people came today."

Why? People are countable—use "fewer."
❌ Incorrect:

"I need fewer time."

✓ Correct:

"I need less time."

Why? Time is uncountable—use "less."

Quick Tips

💡 The Counting Test

Can you count them (1, 2, 3)? Use "fewer." Can't count? Use "less."

✅ Plural Test

Does it have a plural form? "Fewer cars" (plural). "Less traffic" (no plural).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is "10 items or less" wrong?

Technically, "10 items or fewer" is correct. But "10 items or less" is widely used and accepted in informal contexts.

What about money?

Use "less" for money as a concept ("less money"), but "fewer" for countable units ("fewer dollars," "fewer coins").

What about time?

Generally "less time." But for countable units: "fewer hours," "fewer minutes," "fewer days."

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