considerably fewer

USAGE SUMMARY

"considerably fewer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to compare two or more quantities. For example, "There were considerably fewer people in attendance at the meeting than the organizers had expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mussina had none when he went after Castillo, and the Yankees have considerably fewer now.

The New York Times - Sports

Compared to RBF and RSM, PCFE yield more accurate result from considerably fewer sample points.

Composite Structures

Daily fantasy sports offer a similar experience with considerably fewer legal problems.

The New York Times - Sports

"The humanities" will survive just fine, only they're likely to survive at a research level at considerably fewer universities.

Princeton University

Even in high season, the area attracts considerably fewer skiers than the big-name resorts in other countries.

The Guardian - Travel

Mr. Gore and Mr. Bradley together polled considerably fewer votes than Mr. Bush and Mr. McCain together.

The New York Times

These, as well as the new com munities now being built, are developments of considerably fewer than 100,000 people.

The New York Times

Nearly 1,000 people arrived on considerably fewer invitations, their body heat defying the museum's cooling system.

The Washington Post

Considerably fewer new businesses are formed in the United States today than in the past, creating fewer new jobs.

Harvard Business Review

While Israeli Arabs pay the same taxes as other Israelis, they have considerably fewer rights and freedoms.

The Guardian

Although the actual number now threatened is considerably fewer, the Chicago Teachers Union has greeted the news with outrage.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing quantities, ensure that "considerably fewer" is followed by a clear indication of what is being compared. For example: "Considerably fewer students chose the online option this year compared to last year."

Common error

Avoid using "considerably fewer" when the difference is marginal. This phrase implies a substantial difference, so using it for minor discrepancies can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "considerably fewer" functions as a quantifier, specifically modifying a noun to indicate a significantly smaller number or amount. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's used to emphasize the magnitude of the reduction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "considerably fewer" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to indicate a significant reduction in quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure the difference you're describing is truly substantial, and clarify what you are comparing. Alternatives like "significantly fewer" or "markedly fewer" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. With its widespread usage, mastering this phrase will enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

markedly fewer

Emphasizes the noticeable difference in quantity.

appreciably fewer

Highlights that the reduction is significant and can be easily perceived.

significantly fewer

Indicates a statistically important decrease.

substantially fewer

Stresses the large extent of the reduction.

vastly fewer

Highlights a large disparity between the two quantities being compared.

distinctly fewer

The difference is clearly noticeable and easy to distinguish.

noticeably fewer

Emphasizes the ease with which the reduction can be observed.

a good deal fewer

Indicates a large amount or number less.

considerably less

Focuses on the reduced amount, rather than the count.

far fewer

Simple and direct way to express a smaller quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "considerably fewer" in a sentence?

Use "considerably fewer" to indicate a notable reduction in quantity. For example, "Considerably fewer resources were allocated to the project this year." It implies a difference that is easily observed and significant.

What are some alternatives to "considerably fewer"?

Alternatives include "significantly fewer", "markedly fewer", or "substantially fewer". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of difference you want to emphasize.

Is it always appropriate to use "considerably fewer"?

No, it's not always appropriate. Use "considerably fewer" only when the difference is substantial. If the difference is small, other phrases like "slightly fewer" or "marginally fewer" might be more accurate.

What is the difference between "considerably fewer" and "far fewer"?

"Considerably fewer" suggests a notable or substantial reduction, while "far fewer" simply indicates a greater difference in quantity. Although they are similar, "considerably fewer" often carries a stronger sense of magnitude than "far fewer".