LoginLess vs. Least
Grammatical Functions
Both of these words can be used as:
Determiners (As determiners, they are used before nouns.)
Pronouns (As pronouns can be used without a noun or they are not immediately followed by a noun.)
Adverbs (As adverbs, they are used before adjectives or adverbs or even after verbs to define them.)
Difference as Determiners
'Less' and 'the least are followed by a singular uncountable noun.
They waste less money than they did before.
I haven't the least idea what you are talking about.
Tip!
Some grammarians recommend using 'least' only with uncountable nouns. With plural nouns, they recommend 'the fewest'. However, other authorities disagree.
One of the least points was mine. → One of the fewest points was mine.
Difference as Pronouns
Both can be used without nouns after them as pronouns:
Most of us got £4 an hour, but some received even less.
The least you could do is give me her phone number.
Difference as Adverbs
They both can be used before adjectives in order to make a comparative and superlative form of that adjective.
I was least concerned with it. (superlative)
I was less concerned with it. (comparative)
They can also be used after verbs to modify them.
Maybe he would worry less if he understood the situation. (comparative)
Maybe he would worry the least if he understood the situation. (superlative)
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