Wondering when to use less or fewer? Use “fewer” when the noun is countable and “less” when it isn’t. Read on for some examples.
This common question pops up from time to time, particularly while looking for the express checkout line at the grocery store: Is it 10 items or less, or 10 items or fewer?
This quick writing tip truly is quick, because using less or fewer in a sentence is incredibly straightforward. Let’s get to it!
Use “Fewer” for What You Can Count
Use “fewer” when the noun it’s referring to is countable.
Here are some examples:
>> I need no fewer than 10 people to help me move these boxes.
>> This bag has fewer chips than usual.
>> If fewer people left their snack wrappers behind, we’d have a lot less garbage in our bins.
>> You’ll be seated at the restaurant faster if you have fewer than five people in your party.
Use “Less” for What You Can’t Count
Use “less” when the noun it’s referring to isn’t countable.
Side note: these are called mass nouns, in case you’re curious. They usually don’t have a plural version, like “luggage.”
Here are some examples:
>> I have less time to work on this project than I thought I did.
>> There are less than a handful of candies left in the jar.
>> This dish could use less salt.
>> We should all work together to emit less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
But… There are Some Fun Exceptions
Over time, a few exceptions to the rule have emerged based on how we talk casually.
Time, Money, and Distance
When talking about time, money, and distance, you’ll generally use “less than.”
Like this:
>> I have less than $500 in my account.
>> We have less than 20 minutes until the game starts.
>> You’re less than 30 miles away.
The dollars, minutes, and miles are countable, but it sounds awkward to use “fewer” here. You could also avoid this problem altogether by using “under” instead of “less than.”
Some Units with Weight
Weight is a weird one because there are so many units of measurement. But once again, you’ll generally use “less than” with these even though they’re countable.
For example:
The dog is less than 80 pounds.
That container seems to have less than 50 grams of peanuts.
Can You Count It?
All you need to know when you’re trying to decide between “less” and “fewer” is whether you’re talking about something you can count or not. And if you’re talking about money, distance, or time, you might want to go with “less than.”
Remember: If you’re ever tripped up over which word to use, you can always rewrite your sentence to avoid using either.