fewer issues

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fewer issues" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to a countable number of problems or difficulties, indicating a reduction in their quantity. Example: "After implementing the new software, we experienced fewer issues with system crashes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Hamptons plans fewer issues.

The New York Times

"If it was me, not anyone else but me, I would have concentrated on fewer issues.

The Guardian

And there are fewer issues more complex than creating sustainable futures for organisations.

The Guardian

Wachtell remains a legal adviser to the bank but is working on fewer issues.

The New York Times

Whyalla seems to have fewer issues in the wake of Gupta's arrival in July 2017.

The Guardian

Where community stewardship and voluntary compliance have been achieved, there are fewer issues with non-compliance of zoning regulations.

Marine Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

There were fewer issued to women - 43.

BBC

There are a few issues.

The New York Times

There are a few issues remaining.

The New York Times - Sports

Few issues have divided Australians more bitterly.

The Economist

But the app has a few issues.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fewer issues", ensure that you are referring to countable problems. For uncountable nouns representing a general problem, use "less". For example, "fewer issues with the software" is correct, while "less trouble with the software" is also valid.

Common error

A common mistake is using "less issues" instead of "fewer issues". Remember that "fewer" is used for countable nouns (like issues, problems, concerns), while "less" is used for uncountable nouns (like trouble, difficulty, concern in a general sense).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fewer issues" functions as a comparative quantifier, modifying a noun (issues). It indicates a smaller number of identifiable problems or topics. This function aligns with the examples in Ludwig, which demonstrate its use in various contexts to denote a reduction in problems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fewer issues" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative phrase that indicates a reduction in countable problems or concerns. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and wide applicability across diverse contexts, from news and media to science and business. When using this phrase, remember to differentiate it from "less" which is used for uncountable nouns. Alternatives like "reduced complications" or "minimized concerns" can be used for variety, but "fewer issues" remains a clear and effective choice in most situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced complications

Focuses on the decrease in complex or difficult situations.

less problematic

Emphasizes the reduction of problems or difficulties, shifting from quantity to the degree of trouble.

less troublesome

Similar to "less problematic", but with a stronger emphasis on avoiding annoyance or difficulty.

minimized concerns

Highlights the reduction in worry or anxiety related to certain matters.

de-escalated problems

Specifically refers to reducing the intensity or severity of existing problems.

simplified matters

Highlights the act of making something easier or less complex, resulting in fewer problems.

ameliorated difficulties

Emphasizes the improvement or alleviation of challenging situations, leading to "fewer issues".

less frequent incidents

Focuses on the reduction in the number of occurrences of specific events or problems.

eased burdens

Highlights the reduction of pressures or difficulties, making things "fewer issues".

narrower scope

Indicates a limitation in the range or extent of matters being considered or addressed.

FAQs

How do I use "fewer issues" in a sentence?

Use "fewer issues" to indicate a reduction in the number of problems or difficulties. For example, "The new system has resulted in "fewer issues" for our customers."

What's the difference between "fewer issues" and "less problems"?

"Fewer issues" is grammatically correct because "issues" are countable. "Less problems" is generally considered incorrect; it should be "fewer problems" or "less trouble" (since "trouble" is uncountable).

What can I say instead of "fewer issues"?

Alternatives include "reduced complications", "minimized concerns", or "less problematic", depending on the specific context.

Is it ever appropriate to use "less issues"?

While technically incorrect, you might see "less issues" used informally. However, for professional or academic writing, it's best to stick to "fewer issues". Use "less" with uncountable nouns like "less trouble" or "less difficulty" instead.