The first ever Grammar Glitch "Getting the Grammar Right" award goes to Publix grocery stores for their Express lane sign that reads:
10 ITEMS OR FEWER
A friend pointed this out recently and said the sign used to read 10 ITEMS OR LESS but was changed in order to correct the grammar. I don't know whether that scenario is true or not, but I do know that the current sign is correct.
When you are checking out at the grocery store, you are "supposed to" count the number of items in your basket and choose the appropriate line. Anything you can count (like fewer cans of peas, fewer bags of popcorn, fewer gallons of milk) should be described with FEWER. Save LESS for those lump sum concept items (less sugar, less flour, less money!).
Here are some other examples:
10 ITEMS OR FEWER
A friend pointed this out recently and said the sign used to read 10 ITEMS OR LESS but was changed in order to correct the grammar. I don't know whether that scenario is true or not, but I do know that the current sign is correct.
When you are checking out at the grocery store, you are "supposed to" count the number of items in your basket and choose the appropriate line. Anything you can count (like fewer cans of peas, fewer bags of popcorn, fewer gallons of milk) should be described with FEWER. Save LESS for those lump sum concept items (less sugar, less flour, less money!).
Here are some other examples:
I have FEWER problems with spelling than I used to.
I take LESS time proofreading than I used to.
Justin owns FEWER apartment buildings than John does.
Alice has LESS equity in her house than Sally does.
Got it? Hats off to Publix for "Getting It Right" in their grocery stores.
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1 comment:
Publix.org is a very nice site when it comes to its service and punctualities.
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