fewer和less的区别和用法（Fewer vs Less Understanding the Differences and Usage）

The Meaning of Fewer and Less

Both \"fewer\" and \"less\" are comparative adjectives that express the reduction of quantity or amount compared to a previous state. However, they differ in their usage depending on the type of noun they modify.

Use \"fewer\" with countable nouns (people, animals, objects that can be individually enumerated), such as \"fewer cars,\" \"fewer books,\" or \"fewer students.\" On the other hand, use \"less\" with uncountable nouns (substances, concepts, and ideas that cannot be counted), such as \"less water,\" \"less sugar,\" or \"less time.\"

Examples and Usage

Below are examples showcasing the differences in usage and meaning between fewer and less:

Fewer:

1. Fewer people attended the concert this year.

   The sentence above implies that there were a specific number of individuals who attended the concert that was lower than the previous year. In this context, \"people\" is a countable noun.

2. There are fewer trees in the forest now than there were five years ago.

   \"Trees\" is also a countable noun, which refers to the number of individual plants in the forest.

3. The company hired fewer employees than it did last year.

   Again, \"employees\" is a countable noun, implying a specific number of people hired by the company this year compared to the previous year.

Less:

1. We should consume less sugar to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

   \"Sugar\" is an uncountable noun since it refers to a substance that cannot be counted individually.

2. The painter used less paint for the second layer of the painting.

   In this context, the word \"paint\" is also an uncountable noun since it refers to a substance, not atomized droplets of paint.

3. I have less time to finish the project than I had before.

   \"Time\" is an uncountable noun referring to a concept or an idea and cannot be counted individually.

Exceptions and Confusing Cases

There are cases where the choice between \"fewer\" and \"less\" may seem unclear.

• Collective Nouns: Collective nouns, such as \"more or less\" or \"fewer or more,\" can be challenging to use properly. According to grammar rules, singular collective nouns should use \"less,\" and plural collective nouns should use \"fewer\":

  • \"Less water is available this year.\" (Water is an uncountable collective noun.)

  • \"Fewer teachers were required to teach the same number of students.\" (Teachers is a plural collective noun.)

• Time, Distance, and Money: The usage of \"fewer\" and \"less\" for time or money can be ambiguous. In general, use \"less\" with these nouns, but use \"fewer\" for specific periods of time or units of currency:

  • \"I need less time to finish this project than I thought.\" (Time is an uncountable noun.)

  • \"I need fewer hours to finish this project than I thought.\" (Hours are specific units of time you can count.)

  • \"The store has less money in the till now.\" (Money is an uncountable noun.)

  • \"The store has fewer dollars in the till now.\" (Dollars are specific units of currency you can count.)

In Conclusion

Knowing when to use \"fewer\" and \"less\" can be daunting, but it’s an intricate part of English grammar. Remember, always use \"fewer\" with countable nouns and \"less\" with uncountable nouns. However, several exceptions and special cases can be misleading, so understanding them is crucial. Practice using \"fewer\" and \"less\" in sentences to improve your writing and provide clear communication.