(quantifier – with plural countable nouns – comparative)
Translations
The survey revealed fewer incidents this year.
Опрос выявил меньшее число инцидентов в этом году.
There are fewer cars on the road today.
Сегодня на дороге меньше машин.
Definitions
Used before plural count nouns to indicate a smaller number (comparative form of few). There are fewer people at the concert than we expected.
Synonyms
not as many
a smaller number of
(quantifier – without nouns – comparative)
Translations
Of the many proposals, fewer were viable.
Из множества предложений жизнеспособным оказалось меньшее число.
Fewer have applied for the scholarship this year.
В этом году на стипендию подали заявки меньше людей.
Definitions
Used alone to refer to a smaller number of people or things already mentioned or understood; those who are fewer (comparative form of few). Fewer have shown interest in the proposal this year.
Synonyms
a smaller number
not as many
(quantifier – with countable nouns – positive meaning)
Translations
Она купила несколько книг.
Definitions
Used before plural countable nouns to indicate a small but positive number (meaning "some", not "not enough"). We need a few more minutes.
Synonyms
a handful of
a number of
a couple of
(quantifier – with countable nouns – negative meaning)
Translations
Few things in this world give me more pleasure than a long bath.
Немногие вещи в этом мире доставляют мне столько же удовольствия, как долгая расслабляющая ванна.
Definitions
Used before plural countable nouns to indicate a small number (often implying 'not enough'). Very few people can afford to pay those prices.
Synonyms
not many
a small number of
hardly any
scarcely any
(quantifier – without nouns – countable – negative meaning)
Translations
Few of the students understood the material.
Немногие из студентов поняли материал.
Few were chosen for the team.
Несколько были выбраны в команду.
Definitions
Used alone to refer to a small number of people or things already mentioned or understood. Few were chosen for the final round of interviews.
Synonyms
hardly any
a small number
not many