Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site rtech.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!decwrl!pyramid!nsc!amdahl!rtech!jeff From: jeff@rtech.UUCP (Jeff Lichtman) Newsgroups: net.misc Subject: Re: Is English decaying rapidly? Message-ID: <730@rtech.UUCP> Date: Wed, 6-Nov-85 03:22:53 EST Article-I.D.: rtech.730 Posted: Wed Nov 6 03:22:53 1985 Date-Received: Fri, 8-Nov-85 20:24:41 EST References: <1427@cae780.UUCP> <10600197@uiucdcs> <197@bnrmtv.UUCP> <1044@jhunix.UUCP> <185@opus.UUCP> <1588@utcsri.UUCP> Organization: Relational Technology, Alameda CA Lines: 17 > >The difference between "less" and "fewer" is that "less" refers to a > >measure of a continuous quantity while "fewer" refers to a smaller number > >of discrete objects. > > Can you find a dictionary that agrees with you on this restriction on the > use of "less"? Mine doesn't. Webster's 2nd Unabridged says, for its 3rd definition of "less": 3. Fewer;- now incorrect, according to strict usage, except with a collective; as, to wear less clothes. -- Jeff Lichtman at rtech (Relational Technology, Inc.) "Saints should always be judged guilty until they are proved innocent..." {amdahl, sun}!rtech!jeff {ucbvax, decvax}!mtxinu!rtech!jeff