CWClearWord Lab

Confusing Words

Fewer vs Less

Use 'fewer' for countable things and 'less' for uncountable things.

Quick Answer

Fewer = for things you can count (e.g., fewer apples). Less = for things you can't count (e.g., less water).

Core Difference

Fewer is used with countable nouns; less is used with uncountable nouns.

Simple Explanation

Use fewer with countable plural nouns, such as fewer books or fewer people. Use less with uncountable nouns, such as less water or less time. In everyday English, you may see less with numbers, money, distance, or time. For clear learner English, use fewer with countable plural nouns and less with uncountable nouns.

Word Details

fewer

determiner

a smaller number of (countable things)

fewer thanfewer peoplefewer opportunities

less

determiner

a smaller amount of (uncountable things)

less thanless timeless money

Examples

fewer

There are fewer students in class today.

Students are countable.

less

I have less homework this weekend.

Homework is uncountable.

fewer

She made fewer mistakes on the test.

Mistakes are countable.

less

We need less sugar in this recipe.

Sugar is uncountable.

fewer

He has fewer friends than his sister.

Friends are countable.

less

I want to spend less time on my phone.

Time is uncountable.

Practice Quiz

Choose one answer. Mistakes are saved for review.

1. I have ______ money than I thought.

2. She has ______ dresses than her sister.

3. We should eat ______ junk food.

4. There are ______ cars on the road today.

5. I need ______ help with my homework.

Related Word Pairs