less
The English language is filled with words that help us compare and contrast different things. One such word is 'less.' This essay will delve into the definition, usage, and comparison of the term 'less' with other similar terms. <br/ > <br/ >#### What is the definition of 'less'? <br/ >Less is a term used to indicate a smaller amount or quantity. It is often used in comparison to express that something is not as much as another thing. For example, in the sentence "I have less money than you," the word 'less' is used to compare the amount of money between two individuals, indicating that one has a smaller amount. <br/ > <br/ >#### How is 'less' used in a sentence? <br/ >The term 'less' is used in a sentence to denote a smaller quantity or amount. It is typically used in comparative sentences. For example, "She has less time to prepare for the exam than her classmates," or "There are less people at the park today due to the rain." <br/ > <br/ >#### What is the difference between 'less' and 'fewer'? <br/ >'Less' and 'fewer' are both used to indicate a smaller quantity, but they are used in different contexts. 'Less' is used with singular or uncountable nouns, such as "less money" or "less time." On the other hand, 'fewer' is used with plural or countable nouns, such as "fewer apples" or "fewer cars." <br/ > <br/ >#### When should 'less' be used instead of 'fewer'? <br/ >'Less' should be used instead of 'fewer' when referring to singular or uncountable nouns. For example, when talking about time, money, or distance, 'less' is the appropriate term to use. For instance, "I have less time to finish this project," or "She lives less than a mile away." <br/ > <br/ >#### Is 'less' a comparative or superlative adjective? <br/ >'Less' is a comparative adjective. It is used to compare the quantity or amount of two things. For example, "He has less patience than his brother." However, it is not a superlative adjective. The superlative form of 'less' is 'least.' <br/ > <br/ >In conclusion, 'less' is a comparative adjective used to denote a smaller quantity or amount. It is used with singular or uncountable nouns and is different from 'fewer,' which is used with plural or countable nouns. Understanding the correct usage of 'less' can greatly enhance one's English language skills.