---
title: What's the Difference Between Less and Fewer?
description: "Learn the key differences between \"less\" and \"fewer\" and when to use each correctly, including notable exceptions and evolving language trends."
---

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# [What's the Difference Between Less and Fewer?](https://www.galimatias.com/blog/whats-the-difference-between-less-and-fewer)

 Kirjoittanut [Rytkönen Claire](https://www.galimatias.com/blog/author/rytkönen-claire) | 11.12.2025 12:05

Understanding when to use *less* versus *fewer* can be tricky, even for native English speakers.

### **Fewer versus less: the basic rule**

The general basic rule is fairly simple: use *fewer* for countable nouns and *less* for uncountable nouns.

For example:

- *Fewer sugar cubes, but less sugar*
- *Fewer advertisements, but less advertising*
- *Fewer grains of rice, but less rice*

Nouns like *rice*, *sand*, and *advertising* are uncountable, so we use *less*. For plural countable nouns like *cubes, birds*, or *grains*, we use *fewer*. Even if the plural form looks the same as the singular (such as for herd animals such as *deer* or *sheep*), or takes a special form like *mice*, the rule still applies: use *fewer*.

*Fewer deer  
Fewer sheep  
Fewer mice*

Note that for talking about increasing quantities we do not have this problem.  
We use *more* for both countable and uncountable.

*More sugar cubes and more sugar  
More advertisements and more advertising*

### **Notable exceptions**

However, although we have this general rule regarding countables and uncountables, there are some notable exceptions.

We use less with the number “one”

✅ *One less problem*  
✅ *One car less*

We also use *less* with measurements and amounts

✅ *6 miles less*,  *€10 less*, or *six months less*

In phrases where a number is treated as a single quantity or measurement, *less* is often preferred.

Take for example the supermarket sign: **“***10 items or less.”* Strict grammarians argue it should be **“***10 items or fewer***”**, since *items* are countable. However, it is more common English usage to say “*10 items or less*” as the word” *items*” is treated as a unit or measurement.

### **Changes in use**

Interestingly, there’s also a growing trend toward using *less* with some plural nouns, perhaps influenced by second-language speakers and evolving usage. This is particularly common with irregular plurals that do not have a “*-s*” ending plural. Today, using a phrase  such as **“***less people***”**  or “*less children*” in informal use may no longer raise eyebrows, whereas a standard “*-s*” ending plural with “*less*” would sound strange. Note that in formal situations *fewer* is the correct choice.

| Less + irregular plurals = OK in informal use / BUT use fewer for formal contexts | Fewer for standard plurals   |
| --- | --- |
| Less people Less children Less men/women | Fewer employees Fewer products Fewer emails |

 

Language evolves—and while the *fewer vs. less* rules are helpful, context and common usage matter too. If you have further questions about this grammar question or any other grammar points please contact Galimatias by clicking the button below.

<https://www.galimatias.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLuoJU31QxrLXkAaN73tAgqspVyAv%2Fub408q20ntiizbHEiRvomszlyj8cLAVw3hnkqa6y20ZFR2vAZpQz6hQcHiqAjEodGBCjeHCod78OyiXHOXhIJtFwbY%2BGUWlGlJh23xI%2B7UBmmkFHThUjzEXCQknlvF3CzQam%2FEYOIcgE0fCPfM1mUJwApTKnNDLFA3etz5JjGAzjbjjQ%3D&webInteractiveContentId=183593422037&portalId=417686&hsLang=fi>

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