We compare quantities using nouns. Use more / fewer for countable nouns and more / less for uncountable nouns. For superlatives, use the most, the fewest, and the least before nouns.
Quick Overview
| Noun Type | Comparative | Superlative | Example |
|---|
| Countable (chairs, students) |
more / fewer + plural noun + than |
the most / the fewest + plural noun |
We sold more tickets than last year. / This class has the fewest students. |
| Uncountable (time, water) |
more / less + noun + than |
the most / the least + noun |
He drinks less coffee than before. / That plan uses the least data. |
1) Comparative Forms
| Pattern | Use | Example |
|---|
| more + countable/uncountable noun + than |
Greater quantity or amount |
They ordered more chairs than we did. / We need more information than that. |
| fewer + plural countable noun + than |
Smaller number (countable) |
There are fewer cars than yesterday. |
| less + uncountable noun + than |
Smaller amount (uncountable) |
She spends less time than before on social media. |
2) Superlative Forms
| Pattern | Use | Example |
|---|
| the most + noun |
Greatest amount or number (both types) |
She has the most followers in the group. |
| the fewest + plural countable noun |
Smallest number (countable) |
This store has the fewest customers on Mondays. |
| the least + uncountable noun |
Smallest amount (uncountable) |
This recipe uses the least sugar. |
3) Common Patterns
| Pattern | Example | Meaning |
|---|
| more … than |
We produced more units than expected. |
Greater quantity |
| fewer … than |
There were fewer visitors than last month. |
Smaller number |
| less … than |
This route uses less fuel than the other one. |
Smaller amount |
| the most … |
Our team raised the most money this year. |
Largest quantity |
| the fewest … |
Monday has the fewest orders. |
Smallest number |
| the least … |
This plan offers the least data. |
Smallest amount |
4) Real‑life Usage
Our company sells more products than last year.
They have fewer employees than we do.
I spend less time online now.
She earns the most money in her family.
Winter has the least daylight of the year.
5) Tips & Notes
- fewer is for countable nouns: fewer people, fewer mistakes.
- less is for uncountable nouns: less time, less information. (Informally, people sometimes use less with countables, but in careful writing use fewer.)
- more works with both: more cars / more water.
- Don’t add -er or -est to nouns. Use the structures above.
- Use of or in to show a group with superlatives: She has the most experience on the team; That café sells the fewest pastries in the mall.
6) Common Mistakes
| ❌ Wrong | ✅ Correct | Why |
|---|
| There are less people here today. |
There are fewer people here today. |
people is countable → use fewer. |
| She has the most money than everyone. |
She has the most money of everyone / in the group. |
Superlatives don’t use than; use a group phrase. |
| We need much water for this. |
We need more water for this. |
Use more for comparative amount. |
| This shop has the least customers. |
This shop has the fewest customers. |
customers is countable → use fewest. |