take fewer than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take fewer than" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to a quantity that is less than a specified number, often in contexts involving countable nouns. Example: "You should take fewer than five items from the shelf to ensure we have enough for everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Repeated studies of American adults have shown that a majority take fewer than _________ steps per day.

The New York Times

It seems every catastrophe can be averted if we take fewer than 10 simple steps.

The New York Times - Books

Repeated studies of American adults have shown that a majority take fewer than 5,000 steps per day.

The New York Times

Transactions usually take fewer than three minutes, Arizona officials say, and drivers receive registration stickers in two or three days.

The New York Times

The seven countries of central Europe and the Baltic are being asked to take fewer than 30,000.

The Guardian

International students who wish to take fewer than 12 credits in their final term should plan their courses with their advisor.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

It took fewer than 100.

The Economist

No. How many depositions had he taken — fewer than five?

The Washington Post

The whole process takes fewer than 30 seconds.

The Guardian

Part-time student status is granted to students taking fewer than 4 course units per term.

Yale University

Visiting students taking fewer than 6 credits have NO health requirements.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing quantities, ensure the units of measurement are consistent. For example, compare "take fewer than 10 days" not "take fewer than a month" (unless you clarify the average days in that month).

Common error

Remember to use "fewer" for countable nouns (e.g., "take fewer than 5 steps") and "less" for uncountable nouns (e.g., "take less than 1 cup of sugar"). Using "less" with countable nouns is a common mistake.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take fewer than" functions as a comparative quantifier, indicating a smaller number of countable items is being considered or acted upon. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

24%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take fewer than" is a versatile phrase used to express the idea of consuming, using, or involving oneself with a smaller quantity of something. Grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently encountered in news, academic writing, and everyday conversation. Remember to use "fewer" with countable items and avoid confusion with "less". Consider using alternatives like "take less than" when dealing with uncountable nouns. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately use the phrase "take fewer than" in your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take less than

Focuses on a smaller amount or quantity, not necessarily a countable number.

limit yourself to less than

Emphasizes self-imposed restriction to a quantity below a certain level.

accept a reduced number of

Emphasizes the act of accepting a smaller quantity than initially expected or desired.

have a lower quantity of

Highlights the possession or existence of a reduced amount of something.

not exceed a certain number of

Highlights the importance of staying within a defined limit.

consume a smaller amount than

Specifically refers to the act of using or utilizing a lesser quantity of something.

keep under a specified amount

Focuses on remaining below a certain defined level or amount.

utilise a reduced quantity of

Similar to consume, but with a slightly more formal tone and emphasizes the act of making use of something.

diminish the intake to below

Focuses on reducing the amount taken in or consumed to a level below a specified threshold.

be limited to a lesser amount of

Emphasizes the state of being confined or restricted to a smaller quantity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the sentence "take fewer than"?

You can use alternatives like "take less than", "have a lower quantity of", or "limit yourself to less than" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "take less than" instead of "take fewer than"?

While "take less than" might be understood, "take fewer than" is grammatically correct when referring to countable items. Use "take less than" for uncountable nouns.

What's the difference between "take fewer than" and "not exceed"?

"Take fewer than" implies a reduction or limitation in consumption or action, whereas "not exceed" sets an upper limit that should not be surpassed. They're similar but focus on different aspects: reduction vs. maximum allowance.

How to use "take fewer than" in a sentence?

You can use "take fewer than" to express a limit or a reduction in the number of something you are using or consuming. For example: "You should "take fewer than" five breaks during the workday".