Less or fewer?

Definitions

• discourage someone
  Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

• comparison
  Indicate a smaller amount or number of something in comparison to another

Examples of Less or fewer?

Conclusion

The idiom "less or fewer?" is often used to discourage someone from engaging in a particular activity or to compare a smaller amount or number of something to another. It can be used to caution against a specific action or to highlight a smaller quantity or number in comparison.

Origin of "Less or fewer?"

The use of "less" and "fewer" can be traced back to Old English and Middle English. "Less" originally referred to a smaller amount or degree of something, while "fewer" was used to indicate a smaller number of countable items. Over time, the distinction between the two words has become more pronounced, leading to their specific usage in modern English.

Examples:

• "You should eat fewer sweets if you want to be healthier."
• "There are less than ten people at the meeting."