Understanding 'Less' vs 'Fewer' Usage

The video discusses the debate between using 'less' and 'fewer' in English. It explains the standard rules: 'less' for uncountable nouns and 'fewer' for countable nouns. The origin of these rules is traced back to Robert Baker's opinion in 1770. Modern usage often ignores these rules, with 'less' being more commonly used even for countable nouns. Statistics show a decline in the use of 'fewer'. The video concludes that learners can use 'less' for both countable and uncountable nouns without issue.

Why is the debate on 'less' and 'fewer' more significant for native speakers?

• Native speakers are more concerned with grammatical accuracy.

• Foreign learners are not interested in English grammar.

• Foreign learners find English grammar easy.

• Native speakers have a better understanding of English.

Which type of nouns is 'less' traditionally used with?

• Plural nouns

• Singular nouns

• Countable nouns

• Uncountable nouns

In which scenario can 'less' be used with countable nouns?

• When referring to the total quantity

• When the noun is singular

• When referring to individual items

• When the noun is plural

What is the standard rule for using 'fewer'?

• Use with uncountable nouns

• Use with countable nouns

• Use with singular nouns

• Use with abstract nouns

Which of the following is an exception to the 'fewer' rule?

• Nouns ending in 's'

• Mass nouns

• Abstract nouns

• Plurals not ending in 's'

Who is credited with the origin of the 'less' vs 'fewer' rule?

• William Shakespeare

• Noam Chomsky

• Robert Baker

• Mark Lieberman

What was Robert Baker's opinion on using 'fewer'?

• It should be used with uncountable nouns.

• It is incorrect to use 'fewer'.

• It is more elegant than 'less'.

• It is less elegant than 'less'.

How do native speakers perceive the use of 'less' with countable nouns?

• It sounds outdated.

• It sounds perfectly fine.

• It sounds confusing.

• It sounds incorrect.

What is the perception of using 'fewer' in colloquial speech?

• It sounds natural.

• It sounds pretentious.

• It sounds incorrect.

• It sounds modern.

What did Mark Lieberman's statistics reveal about the use of 'less' and 'fewer'?

• Neither is commonly used.

• 'Less' is more commonly used than 'fewer'.

• 'Fewer' is more commonly used than 'less'.

• Both are used equally.