Less

Definition

The term 'less' is used to describe a smaller quantity or degree of something. It is often confused with 'fewer,' which is used for countable nouns, while 'less' typically applies to uncountable nouns, making it an important distinction in proper English usage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Less' should be used with uncountable nouns, such as water, sand, or money, while 'fewer' is appropriate for countable nouns like apples, cars, or books.
2. In comparative sentences, 'less' often indicates a lower level or degree, as in 'She has less time than he does.'
3. 'Less' can also appear in expressions like 'less than,' indicating that one amount is smaller than another.
4. The use of 'less' in a mathematical context can imply subtraction or a reduction in quantity, making it relevant in equations and calculations.
5. 'Less' is commonly used in everyday speech and writing, making it essential for clear communication and understanding.

Review Questions

• Compare and contrast the usage of 'less' and 'fewer,' providing examples of each.
  • 'Less' is used for uncountable nouns while 'fewer' is reserved for countable nouns. For example, one would say 'less water' because water cannot be counted individually, but 'fewer bottles' because bottles are countable items. Understanding this distinction helps maintain clarity in language and ensures proper grammar usage in both spoken and written forms.
• Evaluate how using 'less' incorrectly can impact the clarity of communication in writing.
  • Using 'less' incorrectly in place of 'fewer' can lead to confusion and misunderstandings in writing. For instance, stating 'there are less apples on the tree' instead of 'there are fewer apples on the tree' not only reflects poor grammar but may also distract the reader from the main message. Such errors can diminish the writer's credibility and make the text less effective.
• Analyze a text passage that misuses 'less' and suggest corrections while explaining why these changes improve clarity.
  • In the sentence 'She has less friends than before,' the correct term should be 'fewer,' resulting in 'She has fewer friends than before.' This change enhances clarity by adhering to grammatical rules that distinguish between countable and uncountable nouns. By correcting this misuse, the sentence communicates its message more accurately, maintaining the integrity of the language.

Related terms

fewer:

'Fewer' refers to a smaller number of countable items, making it distinct from 'less,' which is used for uncountable quantities.

least: 'Least' is the superlative form of 'less' and indicates the smallest amount or degree among three or more items.

decrease: 'Decrease' refers to the process of becoming smaller or lesser in quantity, size, or degree.