An exploration of the uses and misuses of the English language, including amusing signage, mind-boggling linguistic contortions, grammatical debates, etymological musings, and other forays of interest to those of us obsessed with this strange and often absurd language.
The girl in the next cubicle is droning on about how something "probably has less calories." She's going to have less minutes to live if she keeps going.
Why doesn't anybody understand how to use the word fewer? I find that even very smart people who normally speak quite well are completely ignorant when it comes to this. I mean, come on people -- this is one of the only grammatical rules in the English language that is actually simple and consistent!
I actually wrote a complaint letter to Continental Airlines once because they had a huge ad campaign that went on about how you could "fly for less miles". Grrrr!
Why doesn't anybody understand how to use the word fewer? I find that even very smart people who normally speak quite well are completely ignorant when it comes to this. I mean, come on people -- this is one of the only grammatical rules in the English language that is actually simple and consistent!
ReplyDeleteI actually wrote a complaint letter to Continental Airlines once because they had a huge ad campaign that went on about how you could "fly for less miles". Grrrr!
I find that refusal to distinguish "fewer" from "less" works in only one direction. It would be far fewer vexing if it were a two-way street.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I am nervous to post here. I need to review Strunk & White before posting again!