Fewer refers to things that are countable.

Example: We had fewer people at the fundraiser than we had hoped.
Example: Fewer tornadoes occurred this year than last year.

Generally, less refers to things that are not countable.

Example: We had less rain this year than last.
Example: Less talking would help my concentration.

However, the expression less than is used in front of a plural noun that denotes a measure of distance, amount, or time.

Example: We will go on vacation in less than four weeks.
Example: She owes him less than $30.
Example: We had less than 25 miles to go but ran out of gas.

Less or fewer may be used with plural nouns with the expression no ___ than.

Example: No less than 300 people showed up for the concert. OR No fewer than 300 people showed up for the concert.

Use less with the expression or less.

Example: Write a paragraph about an environmental issue in 200 words or less.

Pop Quiz

1. I need less/fewer advice and more open-minded questions.
2. We had less/fewer injuries on the team than our coach expected.
3. No fewer/less than eight students flunked the exam.
4. We had fewer than/less than two hours before we had to take the exam.
5. Fewer/Less seats were filled for the concert because of the rain.
6. No fewer/less than 30 people applied for the job.
7. The muffin should cost a dollar or fewer/less.

Answers

1. less
2. fewer
3. fewer OR less
4. less than
5. fewer
6. fewer OR less
7. less

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