fewer points

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fewer points" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when comparing quantities or numbers, specifically when the quantity being referred to is countable and smaller in number than another quantity. Example: The first team scored fewer points than the second team, resulting in their loss.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only Florida and Montreal have fewer points.

The New York Times - Sports

Especially if I take fewer points, and that's it, noise.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It was Harvard's third victory by 4 or fewer points.

The New York Times

The upshot is that there will be fewer points awarded.

The Guardian

The only N.F.L. team to score fewer points was Cleveland.

The New York Times - Sports

That is fewer points of entry they have to control".

The New York Times

Four victories have come by five or fewer points.

The New York Times

Only one defense has contributed fewer points this season.

The Washington Post

For larger binning scales, the factor is greater due to fewer points being sampled.

Harvard University

Women were assigned to jobs with less responsibility, leading to fewer points.

Harvard University

It was the Jets' sixth loss by 7 or fewer points this season, and it was the Patriots' seventh victory by 7 or fewer points.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing scores or quantities, use "fewer points" to clearly indicate a smaller countable amount, such as in sports scores or game results.

Common error

Avoid using "less points" in formal writing. "Fewer" is used for countable nouns (points), while "less" is used for uncountable nouns (e.g., less effort).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fewer points" functions as a comparative determiner phrase. It modifies a noun (points) to indicate a smaller quantity in comparison to something else. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fewer points" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for making comparisons of countable items, especially in contexts like sports, academics, and data analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread application. While often used in news reporting, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. Remember to use "fewer" with countable nouns like "points", and avoid the common error of using "less" in its place. When looking for similar phrasing, consider alternatives that emphasize the lower quantity or deficiency, such as "lower number of points" or "smaller quantity of points".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lower number of points

Replaces "fewer" with a more descriptive phrase, maintaining the comparative meaning.

a reduced amount of points

Substitutes "fewer" with "a reduced amount of", emphasizing the diminished quantity.

a smaller quantity of points

Uses "smaller quantity" in place of "fewer", highlighting the reduced volume.

less points

Uses "less" instead of "fewer". Although debated, it is sometimes used informally.

a deficit of points

Focuses on the negative aspect of having fewer points, implying a lack.

a shortage of points

Implies a scarcity or lack of points, rather than a direct comparison.

a dearth of points

Emphasizes a significant lack of points, suggesting a more severe deficiency.

a decline in points

Focuses on the reduction or decrease in the number of points.

a weakening in points

Highlights a reduction in the quality or effectiveness represented by the points.

a cutback in points

Implies a deliberate reduction in the number of points, often due to restrictions.

FAQs

How to use "fewer points" in a sentence?

"Fewer points" is used to compare two or more countable quantities, indicating that one has a smaller number than the other. For example, "The team scored "fewer points" in the second half."

What can I say instead of "fewer points"?

You can use alternatives like "lower number of points", "reduced amount of points", or "smaller quantity of points" depending on the context.

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

"Fewer points" is generally considered grammatically correct because "points" are countable. "Less points" is sometimes used informally, but it is best to use "fewer" in formal writing.

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

"Fewer points" is used when referring to countable items (points), whereas "less" is used for uncountable or collective nouns (e.g., "less water"). Using "fewer" emphasizes the discrete, countable nature of the items being compared.