Here is another article with a presentation skills tip by author and editor Eleanor Dugan my Grammar Granny. Hope this will help you sound more intelligent.
The Less, the Proud, the Marines?
The title of this column should grate harshly on your ears if you’re familiar with the slogan of this branch of our armed forces. Of course, it’s “The FEW, the proud, the Marines!”
Like a secret handshake, old school tie, or Giants cap, the correct use of “less” and “few” offers a nifty way to recognize others in your group, the true professionals. If the distinction between the words gives you trouble, here is a guide to know when to use what.
• Anything that can be counted uses “few” and “fewer.”
• Anything undefined or not measured in specific units uses “less.”
Fewer sales
Less business
Fewer inches of snow
Less snow
Fewer jobs
Less employment
Fewer crimes
Less crime
Fewer pains
Less pain
Fewer triumphs
Less success
Andronico’s grocery chain in the San Francisco Bay Area has check-out lines labeled “12 Items or Fewer.” Grammar Granny’s kind of store!
©Eleanor Dugan, 2011, duganek@aol.com
If you want more help with your presentation skills and public speaking techniques check out Patricia Fripp’s articles.
