If you cringe at the sight of a "10 item or less" sign in a grocery store, you are a true grammarian! If you think the sign is correct, read on.

The terms "less" and "fewer" are often confused, but they have distinct meanings and uses. This article will help you understand the differences between these two terms, their correct usage, and how to use them properly in both writing and speaking.

Less vs. Fewer: What’s the Difference?

• Less: Used with uncountable nouns to indicate a smaller amount of something.
• Fewer: Used with countable nouns to indicate a smaller number of things.

Fun Fact

This distinction between less and fewer - in common usage, at least - has minimized over time, but your average grocery store express lane is one of the places where the error stands out most prominently. Just don't mention it to the clerk, as we'd all rather spend less time in line.

Pronunciation

• Less: Pronounced /lɛs/ (less)
• Fewer: Pronounced /ˈfjuː.ər/ (FYOO-er)

When to Use "Less"

"Less" is used with uncountable nouns (also known as mass nouns), which represent things that cannot be counted individually. Here are a few examples of "less" in a sentence:

• There is less water in the lake this year.
• He has less experience in this field.

How to Use "Fewer"

"Fewer" is used with countable nouns, which represent things that can be counted individually. Here are examples of "fewer" in a sentence:

• There are fewer apples in the basket.
• She made fewer mistakes on her test.

How to Remember the Difference

Use this mnemonic: Fewer for countable things (both have "e" in them) and less for uncountable things (both have "s" in them).

Usage in Verbal Communication

When speaking, enunciate clearly to avoid confusion between "less" and "fewer." Here are a few tips:

1. Contextual Clues: Use context to make it clear which term you’re using. Instead of saying, "I need less," specify, "I need less time" or "I need fewer hours."
2. Practice: Regular practice can help reinforce the correct usage. Try using the terms in different sentences out loud or with a partner.

Examples of Less and Fewer

Here are some examples to help you master the usage:

• "She has less money than before."
• "We need fewer volunteers for this event."

Incorrect Usage

Here are some common incorrect usages in a work setting:

1. "There are less chairs in the room."
2. "He made less mistakes this time."
3. "We need less participants for the study."

Quiz: Choose the Correct Word - Less or Fewer

1. There are ___ people in the meeting today.
2. We have ___ time to complete this project.
3. He drank ___ coffee than usual.
4. She found ___ errors in the report.
5. We need to buy ___ supplies this month.

Other Confusing Word Pairs

If you have mastered the differences between "less" and "fewer," try learning about other commonly confused word pairs such as:

• Affect vs. Effect: Understanding when to use each in different contexts.
• Compliment vs. Complement: Knowing the difference between praising someone and completing something.
• Principle vs. Principal: Distinguishing between a fundamental truth and a person in charge.