Any difference?

Question

a) As many as 100 people were injured in the accident.b) No less than 100 people were injured in the accident.c) Not less than 100 people were injured in the accident.Is there any difference?

Ozzourti · Accepted Answer

'b' and 'c' seem wrong to me. I suggest you use 'a' or say 'No fewer than 100 people were injured in the accident.'

Blue Jay · Answer

They are similar. but not quite the same.
As many as 100 people were injured in the accident would suggest that the exact number is not yet known, but it could be as high as 100.
No less than 100 people were injured in the accident would usually be used to emphasize the large size of the casualty figure.
Not less than 100 people were injured in the accident would suggest that the number might turn out to be higher, but it is at least 100.
Ozzourti made a valid point about the difference between less and fewer, although the distinction is often ignored.
Not less than in contexts like this is less commonly used today than it once was.

Ozzourti · Answer

Blue JayOzzourti made a valid point about the difference between less and fewer, although the distinction is often ignored.

I usually try to follow this principle, and I would advise learners to use 'less' with non-count nouns and 'fewer' with count nouns. I think they can't go wrong that way.

Any difference?

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