Here is the solution to the worksheet, with explanations for each answer.
The key rule for choosing between
few,
fewer,
little, and
less is:
* Use
few and
fewer with
countable nouns (things you can count: people, books, failures, pupils).
* Use
little and
less with
uncountable nouns (things you cannot count: milk, junk food, meat).
Additionally:
* Use the
base form (
few,
little) for simple statements of quantity.
* Use the
comparative form (
fewer,
less) when comparing two things or indicating a smaller amount than before.
* Use the
superlative form (
fewest,
least) when comparing three or more things or indicating the smallest amount in a group.
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1. I was surprised to see so _________ people on the bus this morning.
*
Correct Answer: few
*
Explanation: "People" is a countable noun. The sentence expresses surprise at the small number of people present. It's not a comparison to another time or group; it's a simple statement about the quantity being low. Therefore, we use the base form
few.
2. If you want to lose weight, you should eat _________ junk food.
*
Correct Answer: less
*
Explanation: "Junk food" is an uncountable noun. The sentence implies you should eat a *smaller amount* of junk food than you currently do (a comparison). For uncountable nouns, the comparative form is
less.
3. There is _________ milk left for the children. We'll have to buy some.
*
Correct Answer: little
*
Explanation: "Milk" is an uncountable noun. The sentence states that the amount remaining is small, which necessitates buying more. It's a simple statement of quantity, not a direct comparison using "than". Therefore, we use the base form
little.
4. Our school has the _________ failures in the region.
*
Correct Answer: fewest
*
Explanation: "Failures" is a countable noun. The phrase "in the region" indicates a comparison among multiple schools (more than two). When comparing three or more items to find the smallest amount, we use the superlative form
fewest.
5. I buy _________ meat than before because it's too expensive.
*
Correct Answer: less
*
Explanation: "Meat" is an uncountable noun. The word "than" signals a comparison (now vs. before). For uncountable nouns, the comparative form is
less.
6. There are _________ pupils in our class than last year.
*
Correct Answer: fewer
*
Explanation: "Pupils" is a countable noun. The word "than" signals a comparison (this year vs. last year). For countable nouns, the comparative form is
fewer.
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Final Answers:
1.
few
2.
less
3.
little
4.
fewest
5.
less
6.
fewer
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of fewer vs less worksheet.
