What is the difference between fewer and less?

The words "fewer" and "less" are often confused with one another.

"Fewer" is used for words that you can count.

Example: Fewer people, fewer cars, fewer fish, fewer grains of rice.

"Less" is used for words that you cannot count.

Example: Less salt, less water, less sand, less consistency, less happiness.

Additional Resources:

• There are many other commonly confused words in English. View a list of these commonly confused words on the Writing Center's website.

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