key term - Fewer

Definition

Fewer is a comparative adjective used to indicate a smaller number of countable items. It is often confused with 'less,' which is used for uncountable quantities. Understanding when to use 'fewer' is essential for proper grammatical structure, especially in writing and speaking, as it helps convey precise meaning when discussing quantities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Fewer' should be used when referring to items that can be counted individually, such as 'fewer books' or 'fewer people.'
2. The distinction between 'fewer' and 'less' is crucial; using 'less' with countable nouns is considered incorrect in standard English.
3. 'Fewer' can also be used in expressions like 'fewer than ten' to specify a clear numerical limit.
4. In everyday speech, many people may use 'less' incorrectly instead of 'fewer,' but recognizing the difference is important for formal writing.
5. The rule of thumb is to remember that if you can count it, use 'fewer'; if you cannot count it, use 'less.'

Review Questions

• What is the primary grammatical rule that distinguishes the use of 'fewer' from 'less'?
  • 'Fewer' is used for countable nouns, while 'less' applies to uncountable nouns. This distinction is important because it affects clarity and precision in communication. For example, one would say 'fewer apples' but 'less water,' which demonstrates the proper application of each term based on whether the noun can be counted.
• Provide examples of correct usage of 'fewer' in sentences and explain why those examples are correct.
  • Correct usage examples include 'There are fewer students in the class this year' and 'I bought fewer apples than last time.' These sentences are correct because they refer to countable nouns—students and apples—that can be enumerated individually. Using 'fewer' emphasizes the reduction in quantity accurately.
• Evaluate the impact of misusing 'fewer' and 'less' on written communication. How does this affect reader understanding?
  • Misusing 'fewer' and 'less' can lead to confusion and diminish the clarity of written communication. For instance, saying 'There is less cars on the road today' instead of 'fewer cars' misrepresents the intended meaning and disrupts the flow of information. Readers rely on correct word usage to grasp the precise quantities being discussed; errors like these can undermine credibility and lead to misunderstandings about numerical data or comparisons.

Related terms

Less: 'Less' is used as a comparative adjective for uncountable nouns, indicating a smaller amount or degree.

Countable Nouns:

Nouns that can be counted individually, such as 'apples,' 'cars,' or 'students.'

Comparative Adjective: An adjective used to compare differences between two objects, typically formed by adding '-er' or using 'more.'