Oct 08
| The word less is confused in more than one way. Please note the examples: | |
| less | used with quantities that cannot be counted |
| fewer | used with nouns that can be counted |
Examples |
Fewer students are signing up for courses in math and science. |
| They prefer courses requiring less study time. | |
| less | not as much in quantity (less and a singular noun) |
| fewer | not as much in number (fewer and a plural noun) |
| fewest | the smallest in number (fewest and a plural noun) |
| least | the smallest in quantity (least and a singular noun) |
Examples |
There is less opportunity to study Latin in public schools today than in the past. |
| There are fewer students signed up for Latin class this term. | |
| This Latin class has the least chance of remaining part of the curriculum. | |
| The fewest number of students signed up for Latin class this year. | |
| less | smaller in amount or extent; lower in rank |
| lesser | not great in value, quantity, or size |
Examples |
I put less sugar in the tea. |
| I was moved to a less prominent position. | |
| Joyce Kilmer is considered one of the lesser poets. | |
| Joyce Kilmer is a lesser-known poet. | |