Over or More Than? When Grammar Gets a Little Underwhelming

Evan Swensen
November 8, 2024

You’ve sent a request to a writer, asking them to write over 700 words on a topic. The story arrives, and it’s a little on the light side. So, naturally, you start wondering, Did I get fewer than 700 words? Less than 700? Under 700? And what if you’d used “more than 700 words” in your request? Would that have changed anything? Welcome to the great “over” vs. “more than” debate—a saga older than Twitter and far more interesting than your average grammar lecture.

Let’s explore this quirky clash between “over” and “more than,” throw in “under” and “less than” for good measure, and enjoy a bit of wordplay along the way. Because, after all, who knew tiny words could cause overwhelming questions?

The Rule That Started It All

Once upon a time, grammar authorities ruled with an iron fist, insisting more than belonged with numbers, while over stayed up in the air, handling things of a spatial nature. “The plane flies over the mountain,” but “The mountain has more than 10,000 feet in elevation.” Simple enough, right?

Enter the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, the grammar world’s reigning authority on style, language, and how to keep sentences in line. For years, the AP enforced the more than rule with the sternness of a schoolteacher overseeing a spelling bee. You wanted to say, “Over 500 people attended”? No, no, no—more than 500 people attended. Grammar purists took this rule to heart, wielding their red pens with a sense of duty, ensuring over didn’t encroach on more than’s turf.

Then AP Shakes Things Up

Fast forward to 2014, when AP decided to mix things up, in a shocking twist, they announced that “over” and “more than” could be used interchangeably with numbers. The Chicago Manual of Style, always the laid-back cousin at the family reunion of style guides, had long been fine with “over” for numbers. So, when AP relaxed the rule, it was as if “over” had suddenly become the popular kid at grammar school, allowed to sit with the “more than” crowd at lunch.

And just like that, a new era of word choice freedom dawned. Writers could now say “over 1,000 followers” or “more than 1,000 followers” without incurring the wrath of their editors. Well, most of them, anyway.

So… Does It Actually Matter?

You might be thinking, What’s the big deal? After all, “over 500 people attended” and “more than 500 people attended” convey the same idea. But for some writers (and readers), each word choice carries a nuance. “More than” feels a little more formal, like a dependable accountant with all the receipts lined up. “Over” is the free spirit, breezing in with a casual tone, fitting right into a blog post or a social media caption.

An Example in Practice

Imagine you’re working with a writer, and you’ve asked for over 700 words on a topic. The piece arrives, and it’s just a bit short. Now you’re left wondering, Did I receive under 700 words? Less than 700? And had you requested “more than 700 words,” would the writer have treated the word count differently? It’s one of those curious, quirky questions only a grammar enthusiast could love.

Here’s what a humorous response to the writer might look like:

“Dear Writer,

Just a quick note—I asked for over 700 words, and it looks like you might’ve sent under that… or maybe less than 700? I’m not sure if we’re talking about spatially ambitious ‘over’ or mathematically precise ‘more than.’ But it seems we’re a bit short either way.

Had I asked for more than 700 words, would you have gone the extra mile? Or did over 700 inspire a bit of rule-bending creativity? Whatever the case, let’s aim for more than 700 words next time, just to stay on the safe side. No need to get overly creative with the count.

Best,

Grammar Stickler in Training”

This showcases how word choice can add ambiguity, even in the simple matter of a word count request.

The “Less Than” and “Under” Debate

Don’t forget “less than” and “under”—the supporting characters in this grammar drama. “Less than” tends to stick to numbers: “less than $20,” “less than an hour.” Meanwhile, “under” keeps a low profile, handling spatial contexts like “the cat crawled under the table.” For some readers, confusing the two isn’t catastrophic, but true grammar aficionados might raise an eyebrow.

Practical Tips for Navigating the Over-Under of Word Choice

Consider Your Audience: Writing for a casual audience? Feel free to use “over” and “under” with numbers. They’re friendly, approachable, and get the point across. Writing for a formal publication? Stick with “more than” and “less than,” and double-check the style guide.
Remember Clarity First: If “over” might imply a literal “above” or spatial sense, switch to “more than” to keep things clear. “The plane flies over 10,000 feet” could create confusion, while “the plane flies at more than 10,000 feet” removes any doubt.
Don’t Get Hung Up: Ultimately, “over” versus “more than” won’t make or break your writing. Focus on clarity, consistency, and the message you’re trying to convey.

Over and Out

In the end, language is a living, breathing thing, constantly evolving like the characters in a sitcom that never quite resolves. The “more than” vs. “over” debate isn’t a life-or-death grammar crisis but rather a quirky example of language’s adaptability.

So, next time you wonder whether to say “over” or “more than,” remember—language has room for both. Don’t lose sleep over it. And if you’re a grammar purist, carry on the battle proudly, red pen in hand, ready to uphold tradition with more than a little zeal. Just don’t get too overwhelmed.

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