Which should you use, fewer or less? Few means a small number of. The
comparative form fewer means a smaller number
of. Fewer is used with plural nouns.
Little means a small amount of. The
comparative form less means a smaller amount
of.
| Incorrect: |
Less ships are being
upgraded. |
| Correct: |
Fewer ships are being
upgraded. |
| Incorrect: |
There may be less than 10 houses
left at Charming Lane by the time this newspaper is published. |
| Correct: |
There may be fewer than 10 houses
left at Charming Lane by the time this newspaper is published. |
Less is used with uncountable nouns or with plural nouns
considered singular.
| Correct: |
Less work means
less stress. |
| Correct: |
It took him less than 30 minutes to
finish the race. |
