Less Is More—Or Maybe Fewer?
People commonly confuse fewer and less, unsure of how to properly use them. Some choose to go with their gut and trust whatever sounds best; others believe that fewer should be used in more formal situations while less might suffice in casual settings.
But the answer to this dilemma actually lies in understanding count and non-count nouns.
Count and Non-Count Nouns
It's really quite simple: A count noun is something that can be physically, individually numbered. Think two dogs or five gallons or eleven eggs. On the other hand, a non-count noun cannot be individually numbered. You can't reasonably say six furnitures or four heats or seven rices.
So, then, fewer must refer to a count noun and less must refer to a non-count noun.
Examples
Fewer people came today than I expected.
She has fewer books than you have.
Todd's refrigerator holds less milk than the floor model does.
I brought less luggage on the airplane than any other passenger.
Self-Test
(Fewer/Less) Advice
(Fewer/Less) Wool
(Fewer/Less) Skirts
(Fewer/Less) Clothing
(Fewer/Less) Cars
(Fewer/Less) Chalk
Post a comment with your answers and I'll let you know how you did!
