Fewer vs Less

Question

Hi,

Can someone tell the correct usage of 'less/lesser' in cases of distance, time or while citing numerical or statistical data:

1. It's (A)less/(B)fewer than twenty miles to Dallas.
2. He's (A)less/(B)fewer than six feet tall.
3. Your essay should be a thousand words or (A)less/(B)fewer.
4. We spent (A)less/(B)fewer than forty dollars on our trip.

I am utterly confused in where to use which.

Thanks.

jaiswalamrita · Answer

Check this https://www.manhattangmat.com/forums/post26913.html

souvik101990 · Answer

As a rule of thumb,
Use fewer to modify a plural noun.
Example: I have fewer papers to write than last year.
Use less to modify a singular noun.
Example: You’ll need less paper if you type your report.

souvik101990 · Answer

Less (Also used for sums of money as in above sentence, periods of time and distance, or while citing numerical or statistical data)

There is less traffic on the road, because fewer people drive these days.

It’s less than twenty miles to Dallas.

He’s less than six feet tall.

Your essay should be a thousand words or less.

We spent less than forty dollars on our trip.

The town spent less than four percent of its budget on snow removal

pradeepss · Answer

Less = can't be counted
Fewer = can be counted

1. It's less than twenty miles to Dallas.
2. He's less than six feet tall.
3. Your essay should be a thousand words or less.
4. We spent less than forty dollars on our trip.

VerbalBot · Answer

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Fewer vs Less

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