East Forsyth High School, Kernersville, NC - Home of the Eagles
Class Of 1973

Less vs fewer

Lesson # 2  

Grocery stores are guilty of incorrect grammar when they post: Express Lane Less than 15 Items. It should be "fewer than 15 items"

 

Using “Less” or “Fewer.” Except in mathematical equations where numbers are defined as being “less than” or “greater than” other numbers, “less” is used to refer to bulk or to a general quantity, and “fewer” is used to refer to individual items or to a number, to something that can be counted. Examples: ? “My new car uses less gasoline than my old one.” Correct. ? “My new car uses fewer gallons of gasoline than my old one

Dr. William B. Bradshaw
Author/educator/grammar guru