5 ms·

Can you explain the distinction for me?

• efm 11y ago
  If you can count distinct items, use fewer. If it's a bulk quantity, use less.
  • Jtsummers 11y ago
    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fewer_vs._less https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fewer_vs._less
  • deleted 11y ago
    [deleted]
• kabdib 11y ago
  Something that is continuous (power, water, money) use "less". Something you can count, use "fewer". No similar construct in the other direction. You say "more" of anything. English, feh! :-)
  • StavrosK 11y ago
    I prefer "manier". "Women are bearing manier children". "More children" sounds like it's a matter of degree, like their children now contain 120% more child.
    • TeMPOraL 11y ago
      Seriously, or are you just messing with us here? Because I don't recall having ever seen or heard "manier" used like that or "more" being interpreted only in continuous sense.
      • StavrosK 11y ago
        It's my invention, now I just have to get manier people to use it!
        • dogma1138 11y ago
          FYI I got a black eye cuz of you, I was reading this thread around 4.30am and for some reason that comment made me laugh out loud which resulted in me being elbowed by my GF. My lawyers will be in touch...
          • StavrosK 11y ago
            Bring it on, sucka!
    • bobbles 11y ago
      It's really hard to read 'manier' without thinking 'more manly'.
      • avn2109 11y ago
        I prefer this interpretation. Perhaps we can make a gentleman's agreement to let it enter the lexicon as a homophone.
        • StavrosK 11y ago
          Perhaps manyer could work, it has an old air of legitimacy to it.
      • StavrosK 11y ago
        Yes, that is its downside :-(