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Kooyeen Posted 19 years ago
Grammar
one less apple?
Hi,
There were 10 apples. Now there are 9. So, there's one less apple. (or "one apple less"?)
I have lots of things to do. I already went to the mall. So, I now have one less thing to do. (or "one thing less to do"?)
When I use "more", I put it between the number and the object: one more apple, two more things to do, etc.
When I want it the other way around, where is "less" usually placed?
Thanks
Warning: in case "fewer" crosses the reader's mind, I suggest forgetting any prescriptive approach before answering. Prescriptivists will be prosecuted.
There were 10 apples. Now there are 9. So, there's one less apple. (or "one apple less"?)
I have lots of things to do. I already went to the mall. So, I now have one less thing to do. (or "one thing less to do"?)
When I use "more", I put it between the number and the object: one more apple, two more things to do, etc.
When I want it the other way around, where is "less" usually placed?
Thanks
Warning: in case "fewer" crosses the reader's mind, I suggest forgetting any prescriptive approach before answering. Prescriptivists will be prosecuted.
Top answer
Hi, there's one less apple. ) Both seem fine. Without checking Google, I wouldn't want to guess which is more commonly used.
- Hi, there's one less apple.
- ) Both seem fine.
- Without checking Google, I wouldn't want to guess which is more commonly used.
- Clive
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5 Answers
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Hi,
there's one less apple. (or "one apple less"?)
Both seem fine. Without checking Google, I wouldn't want to guess which is more commonly used.
Clive
there's one less apple. (or "one apple less"?)
Both seem fine. Without checking Google, I wouldn't want to guess which is more commonly used.
Clive
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This recipe uses two less(er) apples than that.
Do you use 'less' or 'lesser' in sentences like this?
Thanks in advance!
Do you use 'less' or 'lesser' in sentences like this?
Thanks in advance!
00
Hi N2G,
I wouldn't use "lesser", I believe "lesser" is used another way, in other kinds of expressions (see a dictionary for learners for some examples like "The law was designed to protect wifes and, to a lesser extent, children.")
In your example, I would say:
If you follow this recipe you'll use two apples less than that one.
...putting "less" after "apples".
I wouldn't use "lesser", I believe "lesser" is used another way, in other kinds of expressions (see a dictionary for learners for some examples like "The law was designed to protect wifes and, to a lesser extent, children.")
In your example, I would say:
If you follow this recipe you'll use two apples less than that one.
...putting "less" after "apples".
00
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