I was taught to use “fewer” with countable nouns: “less coal, fewer sacks”. Perhaps the rule could be expressed in a more contemporary form as: “less protectionism and fewer tariffs”.

People who are careful about their grammar take extra care with “less” and “fewer.” Most of the time, the results are good. “Ben has fewer worries this year” sounds better than “Ben has less worries ...

You probably see it every time you make a grocery run: the Express lane, with its sign inviting shoppers with “ten items or less.” Despite how widespread it is, though, this phrase is actually ...

1. "Whether report": If you write, "I am deciding whether to go to the concert," don't write "whether or not." The word "whether" embodies "or not." 2. Who/whom: It's correct to say, "Whom are you ...

To the Editor: In your editorial in the New Hampshire Sunday News, November 8-9, titled “Taking Manhattan,” you correct Governor Kelly Ayotte’s use of “less” taxes, it should be fewer.