every fewer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "every fewer" is not correct and usable in written English.
It seems to be a confusion of terms, as "every" and "fewer" do not typically go together in standard English usage. Example: "Every fewer options available makes decision-making more challenging."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Following the same logic, this same country would need to spend around US$6,200 (PPP) in the policy cluster and US$3,600 (PPP) in start-up incentives for every fewer unemployed.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

For example, based on the above results, a country with a 10% unemployment rate (such as France or the United States in 2010) would need to spend around US$5,600 (PPP) in training measures for every fewer unemployed (i.e. cost of reducing 1 for every 10 unemployed in a country with an unemployment rate of 10%).

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Every few….

The New Yorker

I check every few hours.

The New York Times

He moved every few years.

The New York Times

I stumbled every few minutes.

The New Yorker

Now they do so every few months.

The Economist

Every few months, new gizmos come out.

The New York Times

His captors moved him every few months.

The New Yorker

Every few minutes, someone did something spectacular.

The New York Times - Sports

She visits him there every few months.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "every fewer" in formal writing. Opt for clearer and grammatically sound alternatives such as "for each reduction" or "with each decrease" to ensure clarity and correctness.

Common error

Do not assume that combining "every" with comparative adjectives like "fewer" is always correct. "Every" typically refers to individual instances, while "fewer" implies a comparison. Rephrase to ensure grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "every fewer" functions as a quantifier attempting to relate frequency with a comparative reduction. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically dubious, suggesting it does not conform to standard English usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "every fewer" is grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI analysis shows that while the phrase appears in some contexts, particularly in science and news media, it's infrequent and considered grammatically dubious. It attempts to link frequency with a comparative reduction, but more precise alternatives like "for each reduction" or "with each decrease" are recommended for clarity. The analysis indicates that while the intent is understandable, the construction does not align with standard English grammar, making it best to avoid in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for each reduction

This alternative emphasizes the action of reducing and applies it to each instance.

with each decrease

Replaces "fewer" with "decrease" highlighting the diminishing quantity with each instance.

per unit reduction

Focuses on the reduction as a unit of measurement or calculation.

for every unit less

Expresses the concept of reduction in a more direct manner.

for each item reduced

This version is suitable when referring to specific items being reduced.

for any decrease in

Focuses on any instance of reduction or decrease.

with any lessening of

This alternative uses "lessening" to denote the reduction.

per decrement of

Emphasizes the step-by-step decrease.

with the decline of each

Highlights the decline of each individual component.

for a diminished quantity

Focuses on the resulting diminished quantity.

FAQs

Is "every fewer" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "every fewer" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's better to use alternatives like "for each reduction" or "with each decrease" to express the intended meaning.

What can I say instead of "every fewer"?

You can use alternatives like "for each reduction", "with each decrease", or "per unit reduction" depending on the context.

Why is "every fewer" considered incorrect?

The combination of "every", which implies singularity or distribution across individual items, and "fewer", which is comparative, creates a grammatically awkward construction. The phrase doesn't logically connect in standard English usage.

In what contexts might I encounter "every fewer", and should I use it?

While you might encounter "every fewer" in some texts, especially older or less formal writing, it's best to avoid it in formal contexts. Opt for clearer and more grammatically accepted alternatives to ensure your writing is precise and professional.