Common Errors Questions Medium
One common error in using 'fewer' and 'less' is the incorrect interchangeability of the two terms. 'Fewer' should be used when referring to countable nouns, while 'less' should be used when referring to uncountable nouns. For example, it is correct to say "I have fewer apples" because apples can be counted, but it is incorrect to say "I have less apples." On the other hand, it is correct to say "I have less water" because water is uncountable, but it is incorrect to say "I have fewer water." Another common error is the misuse of 'less' with plural nouns. 'Less' should be used with singular nouns, while 'fewer' should be used with plural nouns. For example, it is correct to say "There is less sugar in this recipe" because sugar is singular, but it is incorrect to say "There is less sugars in this recipe." Similarly, it is correct to say "There are fewer cars on the road" because cars is plural, but it is incorrect to say "There are fewer car on the road." Overall, understanding the distinction between 'fewer' and 'less' and using them correctly according to the noun being referred to is essential in avoiding common errors.