you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] 21 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)
  • [–] 3 points 1 week ago (3 children)

    Generally, fewer is used when a number of things can be counted ("fewer problems") and less is used when an amount is measured ("less trouble" or "less time"). However, this is not a strict rule and there are accepted instances of less being used with countable amounts such as "250 words or less," "3 items or less," and especially with money ("less than $20") and distance ("less than 3 miles"). Note that in all these cases, the things considered are often thought of as amounts rather than numbers.

    https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/fewer-vs-less

    "38,000 mentions", so "less" is appropriate.

  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 6 child comments
  • [–] 0 points 1 week ago (1 child)

    It is absolutely a strict rule and Merriam Webster can fuck right off.

  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments