fewer projects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fewer projects" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to a smaller number of countable items, in this case, projects. Example: "This quarter, we have fewer projects on our agenda compared to last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The exercise, the company said, will lead to divestments and a focus on fewer projects.

The New York Times

But now that the girls are older, there are fewer projects and more discussions.

The New York Times - Magazine

(In a downturn, the fewer projects in the works, the better).

The New York Times

Forcing contractors to use domestic steel undermines that objective by generating fewer projects and by placing them on tighter budgets.

The Economist

They'd have less of it if they built fewer projects, but they wouldn't get any of the benefits".

The New York Times

Going slower, with fewer but more knowledgeable people working on fewer projects and spending less money stretched over longer time makes sense — if we can develop strategic patience.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

However, more universities involved in a collaboration predicted fewer coordination activities and fewer project outcomes.

Research Policy

Stimulus dollars have reached a few projects.

The New York Times

Few projects have survived this referral process.

The New York Times

Few projects had the ambitions, however, of Nueva Germania.

The New York Times

Yet very few projects combine all three qualities.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing resource allocation, using "fewer projects" can indicate a strategic decision to concentrate resources for better outcomes on selected initiatives.

Common error

Remember to use "fewer" for countable nouns like "projects". Avoid using "less projects", which is grammatically incorrect. "Less" should be used with uncountable nouns.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fewer projects" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun. It indicates a smaller quantity of projects compared to a previous state or another entity. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used to describe budget cuts, strategic decisions, or economic downturns, influencing project numbers.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fewer projects" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for indicating a reduction in the number of undertakings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's found across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science, and serves the purpose of quantifying limitations or explaining strategic decisions. Remember to use "fewer" with countable nouns and avoid the incorrect "less projects". Concentrating on "fewer projects" can be a strategic decision to improve resource allocation, but be mindful of potentially missed opportunities. Using alternatives like "reduced projects" or "decreased initiatives" can provide nuanced ways to express the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduced projects

Focuses on the act of reduction rather than the comparative quantity, indicating an active decrease in project numbers.

less undertaking

Shifts the focus from individual projects to overall endeavors, implying a reduction in the scale or number of initiatives.

decreased initiatives

Highlights the decline in the number of initiatives, often emphasizing a strategic decision to cut back.

limited developments

Implies a constraint on the scope or quantity of new developments, suggesting caution or resource limitations.

scaled-back plans

Indicates that existing plans have been reduced in scope or ambition, often due to unforeseen circumstances.

narrowed scope

Emphasizes the focusing of attention and resources on a smaller area, implying a more targeted approach.

streamlined portfolio

Suggests a more efficient and focused selection of projects, often involving the removal of less profitable or strategic ones.

selective endeavors

Highlights the careful choosing of ventures, implying a focus on high-value or strategic initiatives.

trimmed efforts

Indicates a deliberate reduction in the amount of work being put into various areas, often for efficiency or budgetary reasons.

downsized operations

Suggests a complete restructuring leading to a smaller organization that undertakes fewer activities.

FAQs

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

You can use "fewer projects" to describe a situation where there is a reduction in the number of undertakings. For example, "Due to budget cuts, we will be undertaking "fewer projects" this year".

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

"Fewer" is used with countable nouns (like "projects"), while "less" is used with uncountable nouns. Therefore, "fewer projects" is grammatically correct, while "less projects" is generally considered incorrect.

What can I say instead of "fewer projects"?

Alternatives include "reduced projects", "decreased initiatives", or "limited developments", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to have "fewer projects" and more resources per project?

Whether having "fewer projects" is better depends on the strategic goals. Concentrating resources on "fewer projects" can lead to higher quality outcomes, but it also means missing out on opportunities that other projects might have provided.