fewer items

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fewer items" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to a countable quantity that is less than a previous amount or comparison. Example: "We have fewer items in stock this month compared to last month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So if you have noticed fewer items with reduced stickers, it's because they're getting a grip.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dr. Walsh also conceded that lighter garbage did not necessarily mean fewer items.

The New York Times

In general, he said, that's because "fewer items will create the impression of more space".

The New York Times

Instead they are popping fewer items into their baskets, shopping more often and looking for cheaper deals.

The Guardian

Judicious use of the #fb tag may make them more attentive to the fewer items that you do cross-post.

The New York Times

Factories are making fewer items for FedEx to ship and customers are choosing cheaper delivery options to save money.

The New York Times

The colonial pantry, containing vastly fewer items, probably held superior nutritional value and no lack of flavor.

The New York Times - Books

In addition, fewer items are typically administered in a CAT.

Language Testing in Asia

For studies considering smaller samples or fewer items we recommend the more expensive bootstrap method.

Journal of Statistical Distributions and Applications

RentCycle is free for businesses renting out five or fewer items.

TechCrunch

It's better to have fewer items at the edges of the photo, for example.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing quantities, ensure you are using "fewer" for countable items and "less" for uncountable quantities. For example, "fewer items" is correct, while "less water" is correct.

Common error

Avoid using "less items"; instead, always use "fewer items" when referring to countable objects. "Less" is appropriate for uncountable nouns, such as "less time" or "less effort".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fewer items" functions as a determiner phrase, where "fewer" modifies the plural noun "items". Ludwig examples show it used to indicate a smaller quantity of countable objects. The phrase correctly applies the determiner 'fewer' to a countable noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fewer items" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a reduced quantity of countable objects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate to use "fewer items" to express that the number of countable objects is smaller compared to something else. Usage spans across news, science, and business, indicating versatility. Common errors include confusing "fewer" with "less", but adhering to standard grammar rules ensures correct application. You can use alternatives like "a smaller number of items" or "a reduced quantity of items" for variety while maintaining accuracy and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reduced quantity of items

Rephrases the original by using a noun phrase structure instead of a determiner.

a smaller number of items

Replaces "fewer" with "smaller number", emphasizing the numerical aspect.

a decreased amount of items

Replaces "fewer" with "decreased amount", subtly changing the focus to a reduction in quantity.

less merchandise

Uses a different noun, "merchandise", to refer to items, making it suitable for commercial contexts.

a scarcity of items

Highlights the limited availability of items.

a lower inventory of items

Uses the term "inventory" to specifically refer to a stock of goods.

a cutback in items

Indicates a reduction, typically due to budget constraints or other limitations.

a depletion of items

Focuses on the reduction of items due to usage or consumption.

a curtailment of items

Emphasizes a deliberate reduction or restriction of items.

a thinning out of items

Implies a gradual reduction in the number of items.

FAQs

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

You can use "fewer items" when you want to express that the number of countable objects is smaller compared to something else. For example, "We have "fewer items" in stock this week than last week".

What can I say instead of "fewer items"?

You can use alternatives like "a smaller number of items", "a reduced quantity of items", or "less merchandise" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "fewer items" or "less items"?

"Fewer items" is correct because "items" are countable. "Less" is used with uncountable nouns; therefore, "less items" is grammatically incorrect. Remember to use "fewer" for countable nouns and "less" for uncountable nouns.

What's the difference between "fewer items" and "less stuff"?

"Fewer items" refers to a specific count of objects, while "less stuff" refers to a general, uncountable quantity. For example, you'd say "I bought "fewer items" at the store", but "I need to accumulate "less stuff" in my life".