"I'll say it again: "less" is amount, "fewer" is number"
LESS applies to singular nouns ("less tonic water in my gin & tonic, please!") or units of measure ("less than an ounce of tequila in my shot? Highway robbery!").
FEWER applies to plural nouns ("fewer drinkers at the bar than we expected") or number of things ("10 items or fewer").
There are a few exceptions such as with time & money ("less than a dollar a day!"), but generally, just remember that fewer refers to numbers and I'll be happy.
~ ~ ~ All meetings end in separation All acquisition ends in dispersion All life ends in death - The Buddha
"Where was the peace when we were getting shot? Where's the peace when we were getting laid out? Where is the peace when we are in the back of ambulances? Where is the peace then? They don't want to call for peace then.
------- "A man who is good enough to shed his blood for his country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards. More than that no man is entitled, and less than that no man shall have." - TR
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
43. "neither Garner (American usage) nor Fowler (UK usage) cares" In response to Reply # 24
I think it's a matter of choice. I tend to use "more than" because "over" has the alternate meaning of "above" and I think that "more than" is more precise, but that's just my preference.
~ ~ ~ All meetings end in separation All acquisition ends in dispersion All life ends in death - The Buddha
you know what they mean. Stop wasting time/energy on fewer-less. They both mean a smaller amount. So be smart enough to decipher it and keep it moving.
PoppaGeorge Member since Nov 07th 2004 10384 posts
Tue Aug-11-15 11:32 PM
26. "be smart enough to say it correctly the first time." In response to Reply # 25
When attempting to communicate with someone, the onus is on you to convey the idea in a manner that the individual listening or reading can understand.
If you mean "fewer", say or write "fewer". Don't use "less" and expect the receiver to translate your true intention.
Say what you mean and mean what you say. ---------------------------
"Where was the peace when we were getting shot? Where's the peace when we were getting laid out? Where is the peace when we are in the back of ambulances? Where is the peace then? They don't want to call for peace then.
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 80009 posts
Wed Aug-12-15 08:29 AM
34. "okp the type to approach MLK and point out a mistake in his speech" In response to Reply # 28
fucking weirdos bruh...
"I ain't here to march on Washington, I just came to point out the bad grammar in your speech"
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
"Where was the peace when we were getting shot? Where's the peace when we were getting laid out? Where is the peace when we are in the back of ambulances? Where is the peace then? They don't want to call for peace then.
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 80009 posts
Wed Aug-12-15 08:32 AM
35. "check yo spelling and grammar" In response to Reply # 32
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
Printer-friendly copy 
Email this topic to a friend
General Discussion
