fewer problems

USAGE SUMMARY

"fewer problems" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a diminishing number or quantity of problems, as in the following example: The new policy has resulted in fewer problems with customer service.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Are there any fewer problems now?

The New York Times - Sports

There are fewer problems for tourists.

The Guardian - Business

Teaching will pose no fewer problems.

The Guardian

I would have had fewer problems".

The New York Times

You'll then have fewer problems in future years.

The New York Times

(Supermarkets, of course, seem to have fewer problems).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Let's hope Bök will have fewer problems with "The Xenotext".

The Guardian

Bob has somewhat fewer problems with the media.

The Guardian - Film

Dundee United would have fewer problems against continental opposition though.

The Guardian - Sport

Thursday's deal is expected to run into fewer problems.

The New York Times

Bigger SMEs have fewer problems than smaller ones.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for concise and impactful communication, use "fewer problems" to directly indicate a reduction in the number of issues or difficulties. It's a straightforward way to highlight improvement or progress.

Common error

Avoid using "less problems" when "fewer problems" is grammatically correct. "Fewer" is used for countable nouns (problems), while "less" is for uncountable nouns (e.g. less time, less effort).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fewer problems" functions as a quantifier indicating a reduced number of issues or difficulties. Ludwig AI highlights its common usage in contexts where improvements or solutions have led to a decrease in the number of problems experienced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fewer problems" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate a reduction in the number of issues or difficulties. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across diverse contexts. When using this phrase, remember to employ "fewer" with countable nouns like "problems", and reserve "less" for uncountable nouns. Alternatives such as "reduced issues" or "minimized complications" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. As summarized by Ludwig, "fewer problems" is a versatile phrase for expressing improvement and positive change across various communicative settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced issues

Focuses on the reduction of issues, emphasizing the action of decreasing rather than the comparative quantity.

less difficulty

Shifts the focus from multiple problems to a general reduction in the level of difficulty.

minimized complications

Emphasizes the act of reducing complications to a minimum, highlighting a proactive approach to problem-solving.

decreased troubles

Replaces "problems" with "troubles", offering a slightly more informal tone while maintaining the core meaning of reduction.

alleviated concerns

Suggests a lessening of anxiety or worry, shifting the focus from the problem itself to the emotional impact.

diminished challenges

Substitutes "problems" with "challenges", framing the issues as obstacles to overcome rather than inherent difficulties.

improved circumstances

Highlights the positive change in conditions, suggesting that fewer problems have led to a more favorable situation.

better outcomes

Concentrates on the results achieved, implying that fewer problems have contributed to more successful or desirable outcomes.

easier solutions

Focuses on the accessibility of resolutions, suggesting that the existing problems are simpler to address.

smoother processes

Emphasizes the flow and efficiency of operations, indicating that fewer problems have resulted in a more seamless process.

FAQs

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

"Fewer problems" is used to indicate a reduction in the number of issues. For instance, "The new software update resulted in "fewer problems" for users".

What are some alternatives to saying "fewer problems"?

You can use alternatives like "reduced issues", "less difficulty", or "minimized complications" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "less problems" instead of "fewer problems"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. "Fewer" should be used with countable nouns like "problems", while "less" is used with uncountable nouns.

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

"Fewer problems" refers to a smaller number of specific issues, whereas "less difficulty" refers to a reduced level of overall hardship or challenge. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the quantity of distinct problems or the general level of challenge.