Writing Tip of the Month
January 2005

In a recent news report, the television reporter announced, "The flu season has been light so far and we have less reported flu cases." Wrong. While there may be less flu, there were fewer reported cases of the flu.

It's no wonder people are confused about the proper use of less and fewer when signs in the grocery store proclaim "10 items or less." These signs should read "10 or fewer items."

How do we know which word to use? It's simple. Use fewer with items that can be counted and less with items that cannot be counted individually. 

Yesterday's snowstorm delivered less snow than expected.
The children drew fewer snowflakes and more snowmen in their pictures.

I used less bottled water this month than last month.
I bought five fewer water bottles than I had planned.

This new medication causes fewer side effects and less stimulation in children.

Follow this simple rule and you will make fewer errors and feel less anxious!

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