English Usage Peeve of the Day

I realize it's slightly twisted to think this way (and probably more twisted to actually be blogging about it), but I have a hard time expressing how annoyed I get hearing so many people misuse the terms "less" and "fewer." To be fair, people generally use "fewer" correctly -- it's "less" that throws them off for some reason. "We want less troops in Iraq," you'll hear a politician say. Or on a cooking show the host might say, "If you want to put in less meatballs, it's OK." In both instances, the items to be reduced (meatballs and troops placed in harm's way) can be counted. A specific number can be assigned to them. If those sentences read "We want less violence in Iraq" or "If you want to put in less oregano, it's OK," then the usage would be correct, as one cannot assign a specific quantity to violence or herbs.

So please, help maintain the minimal level of sanity I currently enjoy and spread the word to friends and family on the proper usage of "less" and "fewer."