Science, Technology and Engineering

Academic Language and Learning

Use of “few” and “less”

Frequently students write “less” when they mean “few” or “fewer” and “amount” when they mean “number”.

You must use “number” and “few” or “fewer” if the quantity you are referring to can (even theoretically) be counted.

The following examples demonstrate correct usage.

In the last ten years there have been fewer studies on the effect of placebos than in the previous decade.

Few molluscs were found at high tide.

The number of articles published in this area is increasing annually.

A large number of options are evident in the policy.

You must use “less” and “amount” when the quantity you are referring to is not countable.

The following examples demonstrate correct usage.

Less rain fell in the months of July and August than in the summer months.

Because of the drought conditions there was less feed for the stock than anticipated.

A large amount of calcium carbonate was found in the tube.

The amount of toxic substance present was unexpected.