fewer than that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fewer than that" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to compare quantities or numbers, indicating that the first quantity is a smaller amount than the second quantity mentioned. Example: "There were fewer than that at my last birthday party." In this sentence, "that" refers to the number of guests at the speaker's previous party, and "fewer" indicates that the current party had a smaller guest list.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Fewer people go to school and even fewer than that understand the importance of school.

The Guardian

Still fewer than that had flush toilets.

Cornell University

She said the sheriff had gotten fewer than that.

The New York Times

Most texters probably make do with far fewer than that.

The New Yorker

So county officials say they will hire fewer than that.

The New York Times

I can't imagine wanting to play fewer than that.

The New York Times

The year before Sandy Hook, it was 107 fewer than that.

The Guardian

A hit jazz record sells thirty thousand copies; Moran sells fewer than that.

The New Yorker

Even if you win, it's taxed, so fewer than that win money on a net basis.

The Washington Post

About three million golfers quit playing each year, and slightly fewer than that have been picking it up.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Most inland metros have fewer -- or much fewer -- than that.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fewer than that", ensure the reference point ("that") is clear to avoid ambiguity. For instance, first mention a specific number or quantity before using the phrase for comparison.

Common error

Avoid using "less than that" when referring to countable items. "Fewer" is appropriate for countable nouns (e.g., "fewer cars"), while "less" is for uncountable nouns (e.g., "less water").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fewer than that" functions primarily as a determiner phrase used for quantification and comparison. It indicates that a specific quantity is less than some previously mentioned or understood amount. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

25%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fewer than that" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used for comparing quantities, indicating a smaller amount than a previously mentioned reference. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science, with neutral formality. Remember to use "fewer" with countable nouns. Ludwig's examples illustrate the phrase's widespread applicability, and related phrases like "less than that" provide alternative ways to express similar comparative relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less than that

Replaces "fewer" with "less", suitable when referring to non-countable nouns.

a smaller number than that

More formal and explicit restatement of the comparison.

not as many as that

Emphasizes the quantity aspect using a negative comparison.

a reduced quantity compared to that

Highlights the reduction in quantity from a reference point.

a lower amount than that

Suitable when discussing amounts or quantities, maintains a formal tone.

under that number

Directly indicates being below a specific numerical threshold.

below that figure

Synonymous and focuses on the numerical representation.

a minority of that

Indicates the expression is part of a whole number.

a fraction of that

Implies a small portion relative to the reference quantity.

not even that many

Adds emphasis to the lack of quantity, conveying surprise or disappointment.

FAQs

How can I use "fewer than that" in a sentence?

Use "fewer than that" to compare a quantity to a previously mentioned one. For example, "We expected 50 guests, but "fewer than that" actually attended."

What's the difference between "fewer than that" and "less than that"?

"Fewer" is used for countable nouns, while "less" is for uncountable nouns. Use "fewer than that" when referring to items you can count, like "people" or "cars". For non-countable things like "water" or "time", use "less than that".

What are some alternatives to "fewer than that"?

You can use phrases like "less than that" (if referring to uncountable nouns), "a smaller number than that", or "not as many as that".

Is it correct to say "less people than that"?

No, it's grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "fewer people than that". "Fewer" should always be used with countable nouns like "people".