Many of us use the word less when we really should use fewer.
Solution
While it is true that English usage is evolving, certain rules still do apply. Here are the rules:
When you are referring to a number (that is, people or things that you can count), you generally use fewer. Note that fewer almost always modifies plural nouns.
When you are referring to an amount (that is, things that you cannot count), you need to use less.
Tip
To help you choose the correct word, try the following substitutions:
If you can substitute many as a modifier, then use fewer.
If you can substitute much as a modifier, then use less.
many people = fewer people
many tasks = fewer tasks
many days = fewer days
much money = less money
much work = less work
much time = less time
Examples
USE FEWER
USE LESS
with countable things
I was given fewer assignments last month because I broke my arm.
in formal writing, before or after plural nouns
Cancellations 15 or fewer days before departure are not refundable.
The program benefits families with two or fewer children.
Can you express that in 100 words or fewer?
when referring to people
Fewer people are smoking now than twenty years ago.
with non-countable things
I was assigned less work last month because I broke my arm.
in conversation and informal writing, after plural nouns
Cancellations 15 days or less before departure are not refundable.
The program benefits families with two children or less.
Can you express that in 100 words or less?
Note: In conversation and informal writing, the phrase or less is more frequently used than the grammatically correct or fewer. This usage is now accepted.
Linguistic Recommendation reference number
REM-6/2008-04
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