Let’s take a brief break from punctuation conventions to dive into a grammar topic that often trips people up: the difference between "less" and "fewer". It’s a small but significant distinction, and understanding it can elevate your writing, editing, and overall communication skills.
You’ve probably heard someone say something like, "I have less books to read this month", or "There are less cookies in the jar than yesterday". While these phrases might sound fine at first, they’re actually examples of a common grammar mistake. The word "less" is often used where "fewer" should be, and vice versa. But why does this happen, and why does it matter?
The key difference between "less" and "fewer" comes down to whether the noun you’re describing is countable or uncountable. "Fewer" is used with countable nouns—things you can count individually, like books, cookies, or cars. For example, "I have fewer books to read this month" is correct because books are countable. On the other hand, "less" is used with uncountable nouns—things that can’t be easily counted, like sugar, time, or water. So, you’d say, "I have less sugar in my coffee", not "fewer sugar".
So, why do people often mix these up? One reason is that "less" is more commonly used in everyday language, and it can sometimes feel like it fits just about anywhere. Another reason is that in spoken English, the rules often get relaxed, leading to confusion. But when it comes to writing or editing, getting it right is important because it reflects precision and clarity—qualities that any good writer or editor should strive for.
Using "less" and "fewer" correctly shows attention to detail and can prevent misunderstandings. For instance, "less people" implies a vague, potentially misleading idea about an uncountable mass, whereas "fewer people" accurately conveys that you’re talking about individual, countable persons.
In short, while the difference between "less" and "fewer" might seem minor, getting it right is a mark of polished writing. It’s a small detail, but one that can make a big difference in how your writing is perceived. So next time you’re editing your work, keep an eye out for these two words—it’s a simple fix that can elevate your writing from good to great.
Alternatively, feel free to get in touch with the team here at English Editorial Solutions and we will be happy to go over your work and make sure that the grammar, punctuation, clarity, and flow is all as it should be. We’re standing by to help!