Madam, – Dr Neville Wilson’s attempt at pedantry in relation to the correct usage of the adjectives “fewer” and “less” (June 16th) most embarrassingly culminates in an incorrect conclusion.
Contrary to his assertion, it is perfectly acceptable to refer to “less than 20 per cent . . .” as percentages suggest quantity, which is uncountable, as opposed to individual students, which are countable.
This admittedly subtle distinction arises from the fact that the process of calculating a percentage involves a mathematical mapping in which discrete units become (uncountable) real numbers that must be rounded at arbitrary thresholds.
For example, if two out of nine students opt for something, then we can refer to “fewer than three”. However, as a percentage, .333 (repeating) is not countable, because there are an infinite number of percentage values above and below it, all between zero and 100.
Therefore, we cannot refer to “fewer than 33 per cent” and must use “less”. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – I agreed with Dr Neville Wilson’s observation. There are definitely fewer people at the “10 items or less” counter at many supermarkets. – Yours, etc,