This one is correct!
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.
Subscribe to this blog's RSS feed
A Measuring-Counting Distinction
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?
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?
I have mentioned the common goof regarding “less” and “few.” Here’s the same problem, only with different words. Last panel:
So when you’re counting, use “number,” when you’re measuring use “amount.”
less vs Fewer Again
Remember—when you’re counting, use “fewer.” When you’re measuring, use “less.” She used the wrong word.
Their definition of “shrinkflation” is okay, though. Same price, less product.