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Generally, fewer is used when the number of things is counted ("fewer problems") whereas less is used when the number is measured ("less trouble" or "less time").
- What is the difference between fewer and less?
- Is it 5 or less or 5 or fewer?
- Is it fewer than 10 or less than 10?
- How do you remember less or fewer?
What is the difference between fewer and less?
Use the adjective fewer to describe countable items; otherwise, use the adjective less. And here's a tip: in general, if the noun is plural, use fewer; if it's singular, use less: Fewer treadmills line the floor of the gym. Less equipment lines the floor of the gym.
Is it 5 or less or 5 or fewer?
According to usage rules, fewer is only to be used when discussing countable things, while less is used for singular mass nouns. For example, you can have fewer ingredients, dollars, people, or puppies, but less salt, money, honesty, or love. If you can count it, go for fewer. If you can't, opt for less.
Is it fewer than 10 or less than 10?
Percentages are single quantities. They are not countable, so that means using 'less than'. However when they refer to something countable, then you should use 'fewer than'.
How do you remember less or fewer?
If the noun being measured is countable, like bowls of rice or chocolate bars, use fewer. If the noun cannot be counted, like rice or chocolate, use less.
