FEWER/LESS

Use fewer if you're referring to people or things in the plural (e.g. houses, newspapers, dogs, students, children). For example:

 

People these days are buying fewer newspapers.

Fewer students are opting to study science-related subjects.

Fewer than thirty children each year develop the disease.

 

 Use less when you're referring to something that can't be counted or doesn't have a plural (e.g. money, air, time, music, rain). For example:

 It's a better job but they pay you less money.

 People want to spend less time in traffic jams.

 Ironically, when I'm on tour, I listen to less music.

 

  

Less is also used with numbers when they are on their own and with expressions of measurement or time, e.g.:

 His weight fell from 18 stone to less than 12.

 Their marriage lasted less than two years.

 Heath Square is less than four miles away from Dublin city centre