key term - Fewer

Definition

Fewer is a comparative adjective used to describe a smaller number of countable items or individuals. It is often confused with 'less,' which is used for uncountable nouns. Understanding how to use 'fewer' correctly helps improve clarity and precision in writing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Fewer' should be used when discussing items that can be counted individually, like 'fewer cars' or 'fewer students.'
2. 'Less' should not be used with plural countable nouns, making 'fewer' the appropriate choice in those instances.
3. Using 'fewer' correctly enhances the accuracy of your writing, making it clearer for readers.
4. 'Fewer' can also appear in various phrases, like 'fewer than five,' which emphasizes a countable limitation.
5. Mistakes involving 'fewer' and 'less' are common, but mastering their correct usage can help improve language skills.

Review Questions

• How does understanding the difference between 'fewer' and 'less' enhance writing clarity?
  • 'Fewer' and 'less' serve different grammatical purposes, and knowing when to use each one helps create clearer communication. Using 'fewer' for countable items like 'apples' prevents confusion and ensures that readers understand the exact quantity being referred to. Misusing these terms can lead to ambiguity, so mastering their usage is essential for effective writing.
• Provide examples of sentences using 'fewer' and explain why it is the correct choice in those examples.
  • A correct example of using 'fewer' would be, 'There are fewer students in this class than last year.' This sentence uses 'fewer' because 'students' is a countable noun. Another example could be, 'She has fewer options now.' In both cases, the items being counted can be quantified, making 'fewer' the appropriate choice over 'less.'
• Evaluate how misuse of 'fewer' can impact communication effectiveness and provide suggestions for avoiding such errors.
  • Misusing 'fewer' can lead to misunderstandings about quantities and detracts from the credibility of writing. For example, saying 'I have less books' is incorrect and can confuse readers regarding the count of books owned. To avoid such errors, writers should familiarize themselves with the rules governing countable and uncountable nouns. Regular practice and proofreading can help ensure proper usage, ultimately improving communication effectiveness.

Related terms

Less: 'Less' is used as a comparative term for uncountable nouns, referring to a smaller amount or degree.

Countable Nouns: Countable nouns are items that can be counted individually, such as 'apples' or 'books,' and can be used with the word 'fewer.'

Comparative Adjectives: Comparative adjectives are words that compare differences between the two objects they modify, often ending in '-er' or using 'more.'