Correcting Common Misconceptions: Understanding the Differences Between 'Fewer' and 'Less'

Unleash Your Writing Skills: Fewer vs. Less - Mastering English Usage

Hello there! Struggling to understand the difference between fewer and less? Fret no more! Here's a simple guide to help you master the art of using these two words like a pro. As researchers and scholars, it's vital to grasp the nuances of English grammar to assure your message is delivered flawlessly. So, let's dive in!

Less vs. Fewer: A Quick Comparison

Less is an adjective used to denote a small amount, and it applies only to mass nouns that cannot be physically counted (e.g., less salt, less water). In contrast, fewer is also an adjective signifying a small number, but it applies to plural nouns that can be physically counted (e.g., fewer cars, fewer apples).

How and When to Use Less and Fewer

Use fewer when referring to a countable noun, such as "fewer cars" or "fewer students." Conversely, use less when describing a singular, uncountable noun, like "less time" or "less sugar." When uncertain about the usage of less or fewer, consider the countability of the noun you are using. If it can be counted one by one, use fewer; otherwise, choose less.

For instance,

Due to the rising petrol prices, there will be fewer cars on the road in the future.
The objective of this research is to have less acid rain on the planet by 2027.

Fewer vs. Less: Examples To Help You Recall

Here are some examples to ease the memory and understand the right application of fewer and less.

Fewer people attended the concert this year compared to last year.
I have fewer books than my sibling does.
We must use fewer plastic bags to aid in pollution reduction.
I have less money in my account than I anticipated.
We need to use less water to conserve resources.

Fewer than and less than are also used frequently.

The employment rate in 2007 was less than it was in 2010.
I have fewer than 5 books remaining to read.

Some Exceptions and Special Cases of Less vs. Fewer

When it comes to the usage of less and fewer, keep in mind that certain nouns, such as money, time, weight, and percentages, may require you to use less instead of fewer, even though they can be counted.

Money

While money is countable, it is often treated as a mass noun, so it is normal to use less. For example, "Rita has less than twenty dollars."

Time

Time is usually approached as an uncountable noun and should be used with less. For instance, "Alex has been working on his thesis for a little less than five months."

That being said, there may be instances where you can use fewer with time, provided the reference is to a specific unit, like "I wish to spend fewer hours on my project."

Weight

Weights are also uncountable and should be used with less. For example, "The baby weighed less than 200 grams at birth."

Percentages

With percentages, decide whether the noun is countable or not - if it is, use fewer. For instance, "Onlyfewer than 5% of the people have green eyes."

Conclusion

Mastering the use of fewer and less will elevate your writing game and demonstrate your knack for the English language. By following the aforementioned guidelines, you can ensure that your papers and academic work will be error-free and polished. Happy writing!

For Further Reading:

Common research paper grammar checks every author must do
The importance of synonyms in academic writing
What is the difference between to and too?
3 effective ways researchers can improve their academic vocabulary

Fewer vs less summary:

In summary, use fewer when referring to countable, physical nouns, while less is preferred for uncountable nouns or abstract concepts. There are some exceptions and special cases. Be aware of these exceptions and use them skillfully to enhance your writing. Now, you're well-equipped to tackle any challenge when it comes to using fewer and less in your academic work!

In the realm of academic writing, it's crucial to understand the proper use of 'fewer' and 'less' to maintain impeccable grammatical accuracy.
While 'fewer' is for countable, physical nouns such as 'fewer cars' or 'fewer books', 'less' is suitable for uncountable nouns like 'less time' or 'less sugar'.
To enhance your fashion-and-beauty lifestyle, consider using 'less' when purchasing skincare products to reduce waste and promote sustainability, like 'less expensive retinol cream'.
In the context of home-and-garden, when planning a meal using food-and-drink, remember to use 'fewer' eggs, 'fewer' potatoes, and 'less' salt for a healthier recipe.
In matters of relationships and travel, recognize that 'less' communication can lead to misunderstandings, and hence, 'more' open conversation would be beneficial. Similarly, while planning a European trip, arrange 'fewer' stops to save time and 'less' expenses on accommodation.
For education-and-self-development, various online courses are available to gain expertise in topics like 'fewer' mistakes in academic writing, 'less' difficult understanding of algebra, or 'less' complicated principles of computer programming.
To make the most out of your shopping experience, bear in mind that 'fewer' items are needed to curb excessive spending, while 'less' packaging helps the environment.
Lastly, in owning cars, those with 'less' fuel consumption provide better mileage, garnering more appreciation from those who prioritize the environment and 'fewer' expenses.

Correcting Common Misconceptions: Understanding the Differences Between 'Fewer' and 'Less'