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If there were a gold medal for subtle grammar mix-ups, fewer vs. less would take it home. These two words seem interchangeable, and in casual speech, they often are. But for writers, especially those who care about clean, professional prose, this distinction still matters.
The Quick Answer
- Fewer is used with countable things—items you can number one by one.
- Less is used with uncountable things—substances, concepts, or amounts you measure as a whole.
Examples in Action
- Fewer (countable):
- “She wrote fewer chapters this week.”
- “Use fewer adverbs in your draft.”
- Less (uncountable):
- “He had less energy after the third rewrite.”
- “We need less clutter in this paragraph.”
Quick Test
If you can add a number before the noun (three chapters, ten adverbs), use fewer.
If you can’t reasonably count it (energy, water, patience), use less.
The Grocery Store Exception
You’ve probably seen signs that say: “10 items or less”
Technically, it should be: “10 items or fewer”
But language is fluid, and “10 items or less” has become such a fixture of everyday English that even grammar purists have stopped fighting that battle—at least in the checkout line.
Why It Matters for Writers
Using fewer and less correctly shows precision — a trait every editor, publisher, and reader appreciates. Word choice reflects attention to detail, and detail builds credibility. It’s a small rule, but mastering small rules is what separates good writing from great writing.
✅ Takeaway:
- Fewer = countable (books, commas, pages)
- Less = uncountable (time, sugar, patience)
Choose carefully — precision in small words leads to power in big ones.
Remember: if you can count it, use fewer. If you can’t, use less. That means fewer mistakes make for less embarrassment—and that’s a grammar rule every writer can get behind.
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