Grammar Police: Fewer and Less

Many people mix up fewer and less. These words are pretty easy to understand, though, once someone actually tells you the rule. Maybe high schools these days aren’t teaching this rule?

The Grammar Police have less patience for mistakes than most people. Image: sxc.hu

• Use fewer when you can count the item.
• Use less when you cannot count the item.

Simple, huh? So, you’d say, “John has fewer toys than Joe.” You’d also say “It rains less in Arizona than in Florida.” Less also applies to emotions and other things you can’t see or touch.

You have fewer shoes, but less happiness. You have fewer pillows, but less sleep.You have fewer watches, but less time.

Easy enough – so use the words correctly!

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