more / less, fewer

more / less, fewer

When increasing the quantity of a noun, use the word "more."

• He wants more opportunities to go to the beach.
• He needs more water.

When decreasing the quantity of a noun, choose between the words "less" or "fewer," depending on the type of noun it is. In this case, you need to consider if a noun is a count noun or a noncount noun. (Learn the differences between count and nouncount nouns in Blue Level Lesson Nineteen.)

• He has fewer opportunities to go to the beach these days because he's so busy.（The word "opportunities " is a count noun.）
• He should drink less lemonade. He might get sick.（The word "lemonade" is a nouncount noun.）

Using "more" is fairly easy because you can use "more" with both count nouns and noncount nouns:

• Let's get some more food. (The word "food" is a noncount noun.)
• I want to read more books this year . (The word "onion" is a count noun.)

Choosing between "less" and "fewer" is not as easy. You really have to pay attention to the type of noun you are describing.

• I'm trying to eat less food in order to lose weght. (The word "food" is a noncount noun.)
• The students have fewer books to read this semester. (The word "book(s)" is a count noun.)

Generally, words that end in an "s" are plural count nouns. Words that don't end in "s" but are considered plural are noncount nouns.

Reading Time: Miguel moved to the United States from Brazil.

This is MIguel.

Miguel loves to play soccer.

vocabulary

adjust: to make changes by far: without any doubt footwork: the ability to use one's feet rejoin: to be a member of a group again sophomore: the second year in an American high school; tenth grade struggle: difficulty

Miguel moved to the United States from Brazil three years ago. He lives with his mother and his sister in a small house that they rent in Minneapolis. His father, Alfredo, stayed behind in Brazil because he owns a small business. He'll rejoin the family sometime next year.

Miguel's family had to wait almost ten years to immigrate to the United States. They applied for a visa when Miguel was two years old. They didn't realize it would take so long to obtain permission to enter the United States. They're happy about their new lives, but they get homesick from time to time, and they miss Alfredo.

Miguel is gradually adjusting to his new life in Minneapolis. He still struggles a little with his English, but his new American friends are helping him learn about the language and the culture. He's in his second year in high school, which means he's a sophomore. He has two more years to go before he graduates. His grades are good and he's very active in sports. He plays American-style football in the fall and soccer in the spring.

Miguel is by far the best soccer player on the high school team. The other kids he plays with are impressed by his skill and his energy. He really puts a lot of effort into this sport. Miguel's teammates have nicknamed him "Flash" because he's so fast and his footwork is dazzling. Kids on other teams refer to him as "the Brazillian."

It was hard for MIguel to leave Brazil, but Miguel's mother and father decided that he and his sister would have greater opportunities for success by moving to the U.S. At first, Miguel was very sad; however, there are many exciting opportunities for him in this country. He hopes to attend the University of Minnesota, but he's not sure what he's going to study yet. Miguel feels good about his future here. He feels as though he can do anything he wants to do and be successful.