Fewer vs less is one of those tricky grammar topics that even native English speakers get wrong. But don’t worry, you’re not alone, and the rule is actually easier than it seems. Whether you’re learning English as a second language or want to polish your grammar, this article will help you master when to use “fewer” and when to use “less.”
Let’s settle this once and for all, because you won’t be saying it wrong after today.
Why Fewer vs Less Matters
Imagine you’re at the supermarket and you see a sign that says:
“10 items or less”
Looks normal, right? But technically, that’s grammatically incorrect.
It should say:
“10 items or fewer”
Why? That’s where the fewer vs less rule kicks in. Understanding the difference helps you speak and write more precisely—and gives you a little boost in confidence and credibility too.
The Golden Rule of Fewer vs Less
Here’s the rule in its simplest form:
- Use fewer with things you can count (plural nouns).
- Use less with things you can’t count (uncountable nouns or mass nouns).
Let’s break that down with some quick comparisons:
| Countable (Use Fewer) | Uncountable (Use Less) |
| Apples → Fewer apples | Water → Less water |
| Mistakes → Fewer mistakes | Time → Less time |
| Cars → Fewer cars | Money → Less money |
| Books → Fewer books | Traffic → Less traffic |
Think of It Like This…
If you can count it individually—one mistake, two mistakes, three mistakes—you use fewer.
If it’s a general amount you can’t count—like time, sand, or happiness—you use less.
8 Clear Examples Using “Fewer”
Let’s look at some common English-friendly sentences using fewer correctly:
- I made fewer mistakes on this test than the last one.
- She has fewer friends since she moved to another city.
- There are fewer cars on the road today.
- We need fewer meetings and more action.
- The new manager received fewer complaints from customers.
- Students with fewer absences perform better in school.
- He eats fewer sweets now that he’s on a diet.
- They planted fewer trees this year due to the drought.
Each of these examples uses fewer with countable things—mistakes, friends, cars, meetings, and so on.
8 Clear Examples Using “Less”
Now let’s explore how to use less in real-world contexts:
- We have less time than we thought.
- You should eat less sugar.
- She showed less interest in the project than expected.
- There’s less traffic on weekends.
- I have less money this month.
- This recipe calls for less salt.
- We need less noise and more peace.
- He showed less emotion than she did.
In each case, the noun is uncountable—time, sugar, traffic, money—and that’s why less is correct.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
Let’s revisit that supermarket sign:
“10 items or less” ❌
This is wrong because items are countable. It should be:
“10 items or fewer” ✅
Other examples where learners often mess up the fewer vs less rule:
- ❌ There were less students at the event
✅ There were fewer students at the event - ❌ She has less books on her shelf
✅ She has fewer books on her shelf
If you’re ever unsure, ask yourself: Can I count it? If yes, go with fewer. If not, less is your word.
The Exceptions (Because English Loves Them)
As with many English rules, fewer vs less has a few exceptions:
1. Time, Money, Distance, and Weight
Even though they can technically be counted or measured, these are usually treated as uncountable, so we use less:
- I have less than five dollars.
- We walked less than two miles.
- She lost less than five kilograms.
2. Percentages and Fractions
Use less when referring to a singular idea:
- Less than 30% of the cake was eaten. (cake = uncountable)
- Fewer than 30% of the students passed. (students = countable)
Why People Still Say “Less” Incorrectly
The reason so many people misuse fewer vs less is that less sounds more natural in casual conversation. It rolls off the tongue easily. That’s why supermarkets, news anchors, and even politicians mess it up. But just because it’s common doesn’t make it correct.
As an ESL learner, mastering this rule gives you a sharp edge. You’ll not only stand out—you’ll sound like a grammar pro.
Tips to Remember Fewer vs Less
Visual Trick:
Picture fewer as a basket of apples—you can count them one by one.
Picture less as a bottle of milk—hard to count, easy to pour.
Memory Rhyme:
“If you can count it, go with fewer.
If it’s a mass, less is truer.”
Label Game:
Try labelling things around your home or workspace:
- “Use fewer pens”
- “Drink less coffee”
It’s a fun way to make the rule stick.
Quick Practice Quiz
Can you choose the correct word?
- There are (fewer / less) chairs in the room today.
- I need to spend (fewer / less) money.
- He’s eating (fewer / less) rice lately.
- We had (fewer / less) sunny days this week.
- There is (fewer / less) sugar in this tea.
Answers:
- Fewer
- Less
- Less
- Fewer
- Less
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve learned the difference between fewer vs less, you’re ahead of the curve. These two little words might seem simple, but using them correctly makes your English sound more natural, accurate, and polished.
Next time you’re writing an essay, speaking in a meeting, or just grabbing groceries, remember:
If you can count it, say fewer.
If you can’t, say less.
Because nothing says “language pro” like getting the details right.
Keep practising, keep learning, and never stop asking.
To learn more and to learn faster, click the link below.
https://fluent-eng.com/fun-and-easy-ways-to-practice-english-at-home/