fewer results

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fewer results" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to a smaller number of items or outcomes, often in contexts like data analysis, search results, or comparisons. Example: "After refining the search criteria, we found fewer results than expected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

In addition, fewer results are lost.

The New York Times

Yet companies saw fewer results on average from their efforts.

The New York Times

Applying online will probably yield fewer results if you don't adopt an effective networking strategy simultaneously".

The Guardian

The more information you input, the fewer results you will need to look through.

Yale University

Please note the more items you filter by, the fewer results you will see.

Columbia University

If a search produces fewer results than you expect, start by checking the spelling of the search terms.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Even fewer result in a formal accusation against a doctor.

Huffington Post

These efforts produced few results.

Britannica

[INAUDIBLE] There are a few results.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

That advantage has led to few results.

The Washington Post

My search didn't produce any/produced too few results.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing search outcomes, clarify whether "fewer results" indicate a problem with the search strategy or a genuine scarcity of relevant information.

Common error

Remember that "fewer" is for countable items (results), while "less" is for uncountable quantities. Avoid using "less results", as it's grammatically incorrect. Use "less output" if you are referring to a mass quantity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fewer results" functions as a comparative adjective modifying the noun "results". It indicates a smaller quantity of outcomes, findings, or data points. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is used to describe a reduction in the number of items returned from a search, an experiment, or any process that yields outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fewer results" is a grammatically correct and common way to express a reduced number of outcomes, findings, or data points. According to Ludwig, it's primarily used in news, scientific, and academic contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various settings. Key considerations include using "fewer" with countable nouns and understanding that "fewer results" can indicate either a problem or a genuine scarcity. Avoid mistaking it for "less results" as it's considered grammatically incorrect. Numerous examples from Ludwig confirm its widespread use and acceptability, offering clear guidance on how to integrate it effectively into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited results

Focuses on the restricted quantity of results available.

reduced number of outcomes

More formal and emphasizes the reduction in the quantity of outcomes.

decreased results

Highlights the decrease in the obtained results.

smaller set of results

Describes a reduced collection or group of results.

less frequent findings

Focuses on the reduced frequency of scientific findings.

lower yield of results

Implies a less productive process in generating results.

diminished results

Implies a reduction in the quality or impact of results.

scarcer outcomes

Emphasizes the scarcity or limited availability of outcomes.

fewer achievements

Highlights a reduction in accomplishments or successes.

reduced output

Focuses on the decrease in the overall output or production of results.

FAQs

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

You can use "fewer results" to indicate a smaller number of outcomes, such as "Refining the search query led to "fewer results" but higher relevance".

What are some alternatives to saying "fewer results"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "reduced number of outcomes", "limited results", or "decreased results".

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

No, it's grammatically incorrect. "Fewer" is used for countable nouns like "results", while "less" is used for uncountable nouns. Use ""fewer results"" in this context.

In what situations might I expect "fewer results"?

You might see ""fewer results"" after narrowing your search criteria, conducting a study with a small sample size, or when an event is rare.