This one is correct!

rogersgeorge on September 26th, 2024

This post goes with my last one. You measure brain power, you don’t count it, even though it’s measured in units, apparently. Units notwithstanding, memory is something you measure. See the sign in the elevator:

I apologize, sort of, that my second and third sentences are basically a repeat.

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A Measuring-Counting Distinction

rogersgeorge on September 24th, 2024

Misuse of “fewer” and “less” is one of my hobby horses. Use “fewer” when you’re counting, “less” when you’re measuring. Sometimes the distinction can be ambiguous, especially with speed, time, and distance. Here’s another ambiguous one. Second speech in panel two:

“Amount” is technically incorrect. It goes with things you measure, not count. But he’d have to say “the same number of words” to be unambiguous. After all, he could be saying “the same amount of speech/conversation/blah-blahing as the rest of us.”

Fewer or Less?

rogersgeorge on November 28th, 2023

This is one of my hobby horses, and maybe we’ll lose this battle, but still, I didn’t expect to find this mistake made by these folks, Axios. Does it jump out at you when you read this sentence?

Why it matters: Less than 4 in 10 Americans hold a bachelor’s degree — but this group dominates America’s decision-making class.

ai.plus@axios.com for October 5, 2023

Yes! Use “fewer” when you’re counting something, and “less” when you’re measuring, when you can have fractions. I don’t think they expect 3.9 Americans.

Harrumpf.

Use the search box on the right to find more examples of when and when not to use fewer or less.

Number or Amount?

rogersgeorge on April 22nd, 2023

I have mentioned the common goof regarding “less” and “few.” Here’s the same problem, only with different words. Last panel:

Take it from the Tinkersons, Comics Kingdom for March 18, 2023

So when you’re counting, use “number,” when you’re measuring use “amount.”

less vs Fewer Again

rogersgeorge on April 18th, 2023

Remember—when you’re counting, use “fewer.” When you’re measuring, use “less.” She used the wrong word.

Hi and Lois, in Comics Kingdom March 16, 2023

Their definition of “shrinkflation” is okay, though. Same price, less product.