Fewer or less than
Fewer or less than
(OP)
Is there a useful rule to remember when to use these modifying expressions ?
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RE: Fewer or less than
"I had fewer than 10 items in my cart, so I used the express lane."
" I have less money than Warren Buffet, so I bought a Honda."
RE: Fewer or less than
- Steve
RE: Fewer or less than
Fewer refers to numbers. Less refers to amounts.
Any confusion likely relates to the fact that some discrete entities become continuous to our perception.
Warren Buffet has a discrete amount of money, but it's so much that it appears continuous to us.
A better example could be a glass that holds less water than another glass. This would always be the usage even though water could conceivably be regarded as made up of discrete molecules.
The difference is that water molecules are essentially uncountable beyond a very broad estimate.
Warren Buffet's money can be counted accurately, even though it would take a long time and many accountants.
RE: Fewer or less than
"I have both fewer thousand-dollar bills and less money than Mr. Buffet."
RE: Fewer or less than
RE: Fewer or less than
However, in colloquial English, "less" is becoming acceptable for use with count nouns as well.
Hg
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RE: Fewer or less than
RE: Fewer or less than
Thanks to all participants.
RE: Fewer or less than
drawn to design, designed to draw
RE: Fewer or less than
So, quite a topical discussion for me.
- Steve
RE: Fewer or less than
LESS THAN is "analog" ie: 10.1
RE: Fewer or less than
10 apples if fewer than 11 apples, but the number 10 is less than the number 11.