'Less' or 'fewer'? People are often uncertain about when to use
less and when to use fewer in a sentence. Here’s how to get it
right. You should use fewer if you are referring to people or
things in the plural. For example: People these days are buying
fewer newspapers. Fewer students are opting to study science-
related subjects. Fewer than twenty runners took part in the
race. You should use less when you are referring to something
that cannot be counted or doesn’t have a plural: It’s a better
job but they pay you less money. People want to spend less time
in traffic jams. Ironically, when I’m on tour, I listen to less
music. Less is also used with numbers when they are on their own
and with expressions of measurement or time. For example: His
weight fell from about 125 pounds to less than 100. Their
marriage lasted less than two years. Our apartment is less than
four miles from the main campus. Back to Grammar tips