Hello, EnglishUs readers! Welcome back to another essential lesson. Today, we’re diving into two commonly confused words in English: “less” vs. “fewer” (than): The Simple Guide. Knowing when to use each one correctly can help make your English sound more natural and polished. That is to say, let’s break it down in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
What Do “Less” and “Fewer (Than)” Mean?
Both “less” and “fewer” are used to compare quantities. However they are used in different contexts depending on whether the noun they are describing is countable or uncountable.
Countable vs. Uncountable Nouns
- Countable nouns: These are items you can count individually. For example, apples, books, cars, and friends are countable nouns.
- Uncountable nouns: These are items you cannot count individually. For example, water, rice, money, and information are uncountable nouns.
When to Use “Less”
Use “less” with uncountable nouns. It describes a smaller amount of something that cannot be counted individually.
For example:
- Less water: There is less water in this bottle.
- Less money: I have less money than you.
- Less time: We have less time to finish this project.
More Examples of “Less”
- Less sugar: I need less sugar in my coffee.
- Less homework: The teacher gave us less homework today.
- Less stress: This new job comes with less stress.
When to Use “Fewer”
Use “fewer” with countable nouns. It describes a smaller number of individual items.
For example:
- Fewer apples: She has fewer apples than he does.
- Fewer books: There are fewer books on the shelf.
- Fewer cars: This street has fewer cars during the day.
More Examples of “Fewer”
- Fewer students: There are fewer students in the class this year.
- Fewer mistakes: You made fewer mistakes this time.
- Fewer opportunities: There are fewer opportunities in a small town.
Comparing “Less” and “Fewer”
Let’s compare “less” and “fewer” in similar contexts to see the difference:
- Less water (uncountable) vs. fewer bottles of water (countable):
- There is less water in the tank.
- We have fewer bottles of water in the fridge.
- Less money (uncountable) vs. fewer coins (countable):
- I have less money in my bank account.
- He has fewer coins in his collection.
- Less time (uncountable) vs. fewer minutes (countable):
- We have less time to complete the exam.
- There are fewer minutes left on the timer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using “Less” with Countable Nouns
Incorrect: There are less cars on the road today. Correct: There are fewer cars on the road today.
- Using “Fewer” with Uncountable Nouns
Incorrect: She has fewer patience than her sister. Correct: She has less patience than her sister.
- Mixing Up the Contexts
Incorrect: I need fewer sugar in my coffee. Correct: I need less sugar in my coffee.
Incorrect: There are less students in the class. Correct: There are fewer students in the class.
Practical Tips for Using “Less” and “Fewer”
- Identify the Noun Type: Determine if the noun is countable or uncountable. This will guide you in choosing between “less” and “fewer.”
- Practice with Everyday Items: Think about items you encounter daily and practice categorizing them as countable or uncountable.
- Listen and Learn: Pay attention to how native speakers use “less” and “fewer” in conversations, on TV shows, and in movies.
You’ve just learned how to use “less” and “fewer” correctly. Keep practicing these concepts, and soon they will become second nature. For more tips and strategies on improving your English, check out the ebook “The Personal Development through English Language.” This ebook is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories that will help you enhance your language skills and achieve your personal goals. It’s not just about learning English; it’s about using the language to unlock new opportunities and transform your life. So, grab your copy today and continue your journey toward becoming fluent and confident in English! For more information, click HERE.
Understanding the difference between “less” and “fewer” is crucial for speaking and writing English correctly. Remember, use “less” with uncountable nouns and “fewer” with countable nouns. With practice, you’ll get the hang of it and sound more natural in your English conversations.
Keep practicing, stay curious, and see you next time on EnglishUs!
