easy
Fewer students walked to school during the storm.
What does Fewer mean?
Fewer means a smaller number of countable people or things.
Dictionary definition
A smaller number of people or things that can be counted; the comparative form of few.
Example sentences
Fewer in a sentence
medium
The revised story has fewer spelling mistakes than the first draft.
medium
We planted twelve seeds, but fewer grew in the shady soil.
hard
Fewer of the paper bridges held the final weight.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice fewer in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Commonly confused words
Fewer or less?
Compare the meanings, then choose a word for each new sentence.
Fewer
A smaller number of countable people or things.
In a sentence The final draft contains fewer errors.
Less
A smaller amount or lower degree.
In a sentence The final draft needs less editing time.
Spot the difference Fewer usually compares the number of plural countable things. Less usually compares an amount or degree, while accepted amount-like expressions create important exceptions.
Which word fits?
Choose fewer or less for each blank. Say your answer, then check why it fits.
1After sorting, we had ___ puzzle pieces on the table.
Check answer 1
fewer — Puzzle pieces are separate countable items, so fewer is the usual choice.
2The shorter route takes ___ time.
Check answer 2
less — Time is treated as an amount, so less is the usual choice.
Make it your ownTry the word in a sentence about your day.
Write a sentence with fewerQuick practice
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Practice the meaning of Fewer
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does fewer mean?
Fewer compares the number of people or things that can be counted.
Practice 2
Which sentence follows the usual fewer-or-less rule?
Books is a plural countable noun, so fewer is the usual choice.
Practice 3
Choose the clearest word: After proofreading, the essay had ___ errors.
Errors can be counted, so careful standard writing normally uses fewer.
Practice complete
Nice work!
You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Fewer
Voice settings
Sounds like
fyoo · er · strongest beat: fyoo
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordFewer.
Partdeterminer, pronoun, adjective.
MeaningFewer means a smaller number of countable people or things.
ExampleExample: Fewer students walked to school during the storm.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- fyoo · er
- Strongest beat
- fyoo
- Ending
- er
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on fyoo.
Your turn
Say Fewer
Record a short attempt, then compare it with the Coach. Your recording stays on this device and is not uploaded.
Coach
My attempt
Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced fewer.
Synonym review
Does Fewer have synonyms?
Fewer has a specific grammatical job before plural countable nouns. Not as many restates the idea, while less overlaps in accepted amount-like expressions but is not a dependable substitute in every context.
Antonyms
Opposite words
moreUse before a plural countable noun for a greater number, as in more books.
more numerousUse when a group contains a greater number of members.
Word family
Fewer word family
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Fewer
Hint for students
If the noun is plural and you can count its members one by one, fewer is usually the clearest choice.
Common mix-up
The count-versus-amount rule is useful, but it is not absolute. Less is established with measurements and amount-like expressions such as less than an hour, less than five kilometres, and ten items or less.
Try it in class or at home
Give students cards naming countable items, materials, time, distance, money, and statistics. They choose fewer or less, explain whether they are viewing the noun as a number or an amount, and flag expressions where both real usage and formal style deserve discussion.
Teacher prompt
Compare “fewer apples” with “less juice.” Which noun can be counted one by one, and how does that determine the quantifier?
Word Wheel
Practice with the School Words Wheel
This word is part of WordHive's researched School Words collection. Spin the complete wheel to review meanings, discuss classroom connections, and practice using school vocabulary in sentences.
Learning activities
Practice Fewer and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice FEWER” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice FEWER
Sentence Builder
Write your own sentence with this word and revise with checklist feedback.
Write a sentence with FEWER
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
Hear the word, type the spelling, and use spoken clues when needed.
Practice spelling
Explore · Definitions
Define the Word Hive
Choose the meaning that fits and get instant feedback.
Practice definitions
Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
Pair words with meanings and review misses with dictionary links.
Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
Rebuild words