In the school newsletter, the principal thanked families for donating supplies. She noted that the nurse's office had received less bandages this year than last year, so additional donations were still needed.
Which word best fits the meaning of the sentence?
- NO CHANGE
- tinier
- smaller
- fewer (correct answer)
Explanation: This question tests the distinction between 'less' and 'fewer' with countable vs. uncountable nouns. The sentence refers to 'bandages,' which are discrete, countable items. The context requires a word that properly modifies countable nouns. 'Fewer' is used with countable nouns like bandages, which precisely fits here. 'Less' is used with uncountable quantities (like water or time), while 'smaller' and 'tinier' refer to size rather than quantity. Use fewer with countable items, less with uncountable quantities.