fewer benefits

USAGE SUMMARY

"fewer benefits" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "With fewer benefits, employees have been feeling the strain of pay cuts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That would mean far fewer benefits for EU citizens.

The Guardian - Business

Individuals are paying more out of pocket and receiving fewer benefits.

The New York Times

The new jobs also pay lower wages, and offer fewer benefits, than the jobs that disappeared.

The Guardian - Opinion

But young workers today can expect fewer benefits for their taxes.

The New York Times

Temporary employees generally receive fewer benefits or none at all, and have virtually no job security.

The New York Times

The combination of lower taxes and fewer benefits is intended to encourage people to work.

The Economist

When they do get jobs, many residents will face new, longer commutes, and fewer benefits.

The New York Times

Consequently they have for decades received less pay and fewer benefits than union musicians.

The New York Times - Arts

And it includes a system to encourage insurance companies to provide more affordable plans with fewer benefits or higher deductibles.

The New York Times

He said it had improved the way energy is generated but there had been fewer benefits to transmission and distribution.

The Guardian

Inflated doctors' bills, higher premiums and fewer benefits won't help working families meet their health care needs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fewer benefits" to emphasize the negative impact of a policy or decision on individuals or groups.

Common error

Remember that "fewer" is used for countable nouns (benefits, opportunities), while "less" is used for uncountable nouns (money, time). Avoid saying "less benefits"; instead, use "fewer benefits".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fewer benefits" functions as a comparative quantifier, indicating a reduced number of advantages or entitlements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, supported by numerous examples across diverse contexts. It commonly modifies nouns relating to compensation, welfare, and other advantages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fewer benefits" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a reduction in advantages or entitlements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely applicable across various domains, particularly in discussions related to employment, social welfare, and economic policies. When using this phrase, remember to use "fewer" with countable nouns and to clarify the specific benefits being discussed for maximum impact. Its neutral register ensures its appropriateness for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced advantages

Focuses on the decrease in advantages, a broader term than specific benefits.

diminished entitlements

Emphasizes a reduction in what one is rightfully allowed or granted.

scarcer perks

Highlights the rarity of extra advantages, especially in a work context.

lower allowances

Implies a decrease in the amount of something provided regularly.

curtailed privileges

Suggests a restriction or reduction in special rights or advantages.

limited concessions

Highlights that the exceptions are fewer and more restricted.

decreased provisions

Indicates a reduction in what is supplied or arranged for someone.

restricted access

Highlights the limitations in gaining access to certain benefits or services.

thinner packages

Refers to benefits or offerings that are less comprehensive or substantial.

cutbacks in welfare

Specifically refers to reductions in government assistance or support programs.

FAQs

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

You can use "fewer benefits" to describe a situation where advantages or entitlements are reduced. For example, "The new contract offers "fewer benefits" than the previous one."

What's the difference between "fewer benefits" and "less benefits"?

"Fewer" is used with countable nouns, while "less" is used with uncountable nouns. "Fewer benefits" is grammatically correct because "benefits" are countable. "Less benefits" is generally considered incorrect.

What can I say instead of "fewer benefits"?

You can use alternatives like "reduced advantages", "diminished entitlements", or "scarcer perks" depending on the context.

In what situations is it common to encounter "fewer benefits"?

"Fewer benefits" is often encountered when discussing changes in employment contracts, social welfare programs, or insurance plans, where the scope or value of advantages is being reduced.