What is the comparative form of “fewest”?
The comparative form of “fewest” is “fewer”.Example
She has fewer books than her sister.
Example
There are fewer people at the party than expected.
What is the superlative form of “fewest”?
The superlative form of “fewest” is “fewest”.Example
Among all the teams, they have the fewest points.
Example
The smallest class has the fewest students.
Why is this expression not used with most, more?
'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with few, fewer, and fewest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more few' and 'most few' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, fewer and fewest are the correct and preferred forms to use.
Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?
Few does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: Few → Fewer Superlative: Few → Fewest
Expressions with similar meanings to “fewer”
Used to describe a smaller or reduced number
Example
He had a lesser number of friends compared to his brother.
Similar to fewer, indicating a smaller quantity or number
Example
The company had a lower number of employees this year.
Expressing a reduction in number or amount
Example
The decreased attendance at the concert was due to bad weather.
Expressions with similar meanings to “fewest”
Similar to fewest, indicating the smallest or lowest number
Example
He had the least number of toys compared to his friends.
Used to describe the lowest or smallest number
Example
The town with the smallest population is located in a remote area.
Expressing the smallest or lowest number or amount
Example
The store had the lowest sales in its history.
Using than with comparative “fewer”
When using the comparative form fewer to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "She has fewer books than her sister." Here, than is used to show that the number of books 'she' has is smaller than the number of books her sister has.
How can I use this expression in context?
“fewer” and “fewest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.- 1People
There are fewer people at the party than expected.
There are fewer people at the party than expected.
- 2Items
She has fewer books than her sister.
She has fewer books than her sister.
- 3Points
Among all the teams, they have the fewest points.
Among all the teams, they have the fewest points.
- 4Students
The smallest class has the fewest students.
The smallest class has the fewest students.
- 5Sales
The store had the lowest sales in its history.
The store had the lowest sales in its history.
Related idioms and phrases
A drop in the bucket
A very small or insignificant amount compared to what is needed or expected.
Example
The money he donated was just a drop in the bucket compared to the total cost of the project.
In short supply
Not enough of something available; scarce.
Example
During the pandemic, hand sanitizers were in short supply.
Count on one hand
To have a very small number of something, usually less than five.
Example
I can count on one hand the number of times I've been to that restaurant.
