Less and fewer are comparative adjectives used to indicate smaller quantities. Understanding the difference between them is key to proper English grammar. Less is used with uncountable nouns, while fewer is used with countable nouns. Think of it this way: if you can count individual items, use fewer; if you can’t, use less.
Less vs. Fewer: A Comparative Look
Let’s delve deeper into this comparative grammar point. For instance, you would say “less money” because you can’t count individual units of money as a whole. You wouldn’t say “five moneys.” Conversely, you would say “fewer coins” because you can count individual coins: “five coins,” “ten coins,” and so on. “Less” is the comparative form of “little,” indicating a smaller amount of something uncountable. “Fewer” is the comparative form of “few,” signifying a smaller number of countable items.
Consider these examples illustrating this comparative concept: “I have less work now than last year. There are simply fewer jobs available.” This demonstrates the correct usage of both terms in contrasting countable and uncountable nouns. “I have little money and few friends.” This further highlights the base forms “little” and “few” used with uncountable and countable nouns, respectively.
Alternative Comparative Phrases: Not as Much, Not as Many
Another way to express comparative quantities is with the phrases “not as much” and “not as many.” These phrases function similarly to “less” and “fewer,” respectively. “Not as much” replaces “less” with uncountable nouns, while “not as many” replaces “fewer” with countable nouns.
Here are examples showcasing this comparative usage:
- “My new car doesn’t use as much petrol as my old one.” This means the new car uses less petrol.
- “You don’t see as many Peugeot 405s on the road now.” This equates to seeing fewer Peugeot 405s.
Positive Connotations: A Little, A Few
While “little” and “few” often carry negative implications, “a little” and “a few” express positive connotations. They suggest a small but sufficient quantity or number.
Observe these examples highlighting the difference:
- “I have a little bit of food in the house.” This implies having enough food, offering reassurance.
- “A few of my colleagues attended my presentation.” This indicates a positive turnout, suggesting satisfaction.
In contrast, using “little” or “few” without the article “a” creates a negative context:
- “I have little food in the house.” This suggests not having enough food, expressing worry.
- “Few of my colleagues attended my presentation.” This indicates poor attendance, leading to disappointment.
Conclusion: Mastering Comparative Quantities
Understanding the nuances of “less” versus “fewer,” “not as much” versus “not as many,” and “a little” versus “a few” is crucial for accurate and effective communication in English. These comparative and quantifying terms allow for clear expression of varying quantities, contributing significantly to grammatical precision. By mastering these distinctions, you can enhance your written and spoken English considerably.
