Is 12 items or less grammatically correct?

While the supermarket cashier understood that the phrase “12 Items or Less” violated a received rule of grammar, she wished fewer people would complain to her about it. This rule is simple enough and looks easy enough to follow, but it’s not accurate for all usage.

Is it 15 items or less of fewer?

TLDR: Yes, you are right in that the expression “15 items or less” is the more common and more idiomatic expression. The use of “fewer” is restricted to count nouns, as many are aware (including teachers and pedants).

Is it fewer than or less than?

1. “Less than” is used for quantities which cannot be counted, for example, “The employment rate in 2009 was less than it was in 2010.” Whereas “fewer than” is used for quantities which can be counted. For example, “Her shopping basket has fewer items than her friend’s shopping basket.”

Is 10 items or less grammatically correct?

“10 items or less” is not correct! If you walk into any grocery store in the United States, and you will see a sign that says “10 items or less” for the fast checkout lanes. This is wrong – it should be “10 items or fewer” because “items” is a countable noun.

Is much fewer grammatically correct?

Much fewer is simply more correct than many fewer, despite its cacophony. Many modifies a noun: many apples. Much modifies the adjective: much fewer apples or far fewer apples.

Is it 10 items or less or 10 items or fewer?

How do you remember less or fewer?

Fewer means “not as many.” We use fewer with countable nouns like cookies. Cookie Monster was told to eat fewer cookies. Less means “not as much.” We use less with uncountable nouns like milk.

Is it 1 fewer or 1 less?

If you want to follow the strictest guidelines on “less” and “fewer” (which, by the way, I do), here’s the correct way to understand them: “Less” is for singular things. “Fewer” is for plural things. About 99% of the time, this language makes no difference.