Fewer vs less: what is the difference?

The idea

Use fewer with plural countable nouns and less with uncountable nouns. Use less than for a total of time, money or distance.

Examples

• Mina planted fewer tomatoes this spring.
• Our new printer uses less ink.
• Fewer passengers boarded the late train.
• The soup needs less salt.
• The walk took less than ten minutes.
• Each ticket costs less than five dollars.

Watch out

Do not use less before a plural countable noun in formal writing, unless it represents a total measurement.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct word. The library bought ___ books this year. (fewer / less)

   Show answer or example answer

   fewer

   fewer: Books are individual countable objects.

2. Choose the correct word. Please add ___ sugar to my tea. (fewer / less)

   Show answer or example answer

   less

   less: Sugar is treated as an amount.

3. Choose the correct word. The trip costs ___ than twenty euros. (fewer / less)

   Show answer or example answer

   less

   less: Twenty euros is a single total price.

Use it today

Choose the word that fits each sentence.