with fewer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with fewer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing quantities, indicating a smaller number of something. Example: "She prefers to work with fewer distractions to maintain her focus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"And with fewer layers".

The New York Times

With fewer hippies".

The Guardian - Sport

With fewer controls?

MIT Technology Review

They could conduct business with fewer misunderstandings.

The Economist

Clients are also working with fewer agencies.

The Economist

● Go home with fewer pills.

The Washington Post

The third debate was with fewer friends.

The Guardian - Opinion

A poem delivers more, with fewer words.

The Guardian - Books

Use a heavier weight, with fewer reps.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Unfortunately, with fewer interactions comes less data.

The Guardian

Everyone will pay more, with fewer choices.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "with fewer", ensure you are referring to countable nouns. For uncountable nouns, use "with less".

Common error

Avoid using "with less" when referring to countable items. For example, it is incorrect to say "with less cars"; instead, say "with fewer cars". Use "less" for uncountable nouns like water or time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with fewer" primarily functions as a prepositional modifier. It introduces a clause that describes a reduction in quantity, modifying a noun or verb phrase to indicate a state or condition of having less of something countable. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

27%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with fewer" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to indicate a reduced number of countable items. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is reliable and appropriate for various contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. Remembering to use "with fewer" for countable nouns and "with less" for uncountable nouns will ensure grammatical precision. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively convey the idea of reduction and limitation in their writing. The sources analyzed demonstrate broad application and acceptance of this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with less

A more concise and general way to indicate a smaller amount or quantity.

with a reduced number of

Emphasizes the reduced quantity more explicitly.

containing fewer

Focuses on the composition or contents having a smaller quantity.

in smaller quantities

Highlights the diminished amounts rather than the comparison.

a decreased amount of

Formal and emphasizes a decline in quantity.

in a diminished capacity

Implies a reduction in ability or resources.

lacking the same quantity of

Focuses on the absence of the original amount.

with a lighter load of

Suggests a reduction in burden or responsibility.

with a deficit of

Highlights the shortage or lack.

a reduction in

Directly states the action of reducing something.

FAQs

How do I use "with fewer" in a sentence?

Use "with fewer" when you want to indicate a smaller number of countable items. For example, "The project was completed with fewer resources than initially planned."

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

"With fewer" is used with countable nouns (e.g., "with fewer cars"), while "with less" is used with uncountable nouns (e.g., "with less water").

Can I use "with less" instead of "with fewer"?

While sometimes used interchangeably in informal contexts, it's grammatically correct to use "with fewer" for countable nouns and "with less" for uncountable nouns.

What are some alternatives to saying "with fewer"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a reduced number of", "containing fewer", or "in smaller quantities".