What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fewest
Example
Out of all the candidates, she received the fewest votes. [fewest: superlative adjective]
Example
The team with the fewest players lost the game. [fewest: determiner]
least
Example
She had the least amount of experience out of all the applicants. [least: superlative adjective]
Example
The medicine had the least side effects compared to the other options. [least: determiner]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Least is more commonly used than fewest in everyday language. Least is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while fewest is less common and refers to a limited number or quantity of something.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between fewest and least?
Both fewest and least are considered formal words and are appropriate for use in academic or professional writing.
