Several

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Several" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an unspecified number of items or people that is more than two but not many. Example: "Several students attended the workshop on digital marketing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her small, frail frame and severe difficulties breathing have brought her to a rehabilitation clinic several miles from where her mother and five siblings live in the Mayan village of Quajarwalten.

The Guardian

There were several reasons for this.

The New York Times

Nazarbayev permitted a relatively high degree of political activity until the emergence of a reform movement called Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan, backed by several wealthy business people, in late 2001.

The Guardian

Several hundred supporters chanted for Erdoğan, the party's founder, but there was little sign of the huge crowds that gathered after past election victories.

The Guardian

Over the next two years, several prominent opposition figures were murdered in mysterious circumstances.

The Guardian

In the days that I followed Jones around, I heard several people who ran training programs in green professions complain that once their students had graduated they couldn't find work.

The Economist

Several, in fact.

The New York Times

Drastic cuts in public spending any time soon, as proposed by several of these candidates, look wildly irresponsible given the headwinds the US economy is facing from abroad.

The Guardian - Opinion

Zawahiri emerged as the "brains" of the militant group, playing a key role in several big attacks.

The Guardian

While Vargas has been an immigrant activist for several years, he has been a writer and reporter for more than a decade.

The Guardian

These are the ideal source of data, but there are several limitations with the data at this local level.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Several" when you want to indicate a quantity greater than two but less than many. It implies an inexact number without being vague.

Common error

Avoid using "Several" when you know the exact number of items or people. Instead, use the precise number to provide clarity and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Several" is as a determiner, modifying a noun to indicate a quantity that is more than two but not a large number. It can also function as a pronoun, standing in for a specific quantity. Ludwig's examples clearly illustrate these functions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Several" functions as a determiner or pronoun to indicate a quantity greater than two but not a large number. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While "Several" maintains a neutral tone, it's important to avoid using it when a precise number is known to maintain clarity. Alternatives such as "a few", "a number of", or "various" can be used depending on the specific context. The examples provided by Ludwig underscore the versatility and frequency of "Several" in contemporary English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A few

Indicates a small number, often less than "Several".

A number of

A more formal way of saying "Several", implying a definite quantity.

Various

Emphasizes the diversity or variety of items or entities.

Some

A less precise term, indicating an unspecified quantity.

Multiple

Highlights that there are more than two of something.

Numerous

Indicates a large number; more than "Several" but not a vast amount.

Quite a few

An informal way to indicate a noticeable quantity.

A handful of

Implies a small, manageable number.

A couple of

While typically meaning two, it can informally imply slightly more.

A scattering of

Suggests a dispersed and not very dense quantity.

FAQs

How to use "Several" in a sentence?

"Several" is used as a determiner before a noun to indicate a quantity more than two but not a large number. For example, "Several students attended the lecture." It can also function as a pronoun, like in the phrase "several of them".

What can I say instead of "Several"?

You can use alternatives like "a few", "a number of", or "various" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "Several" or "Severals"?

"Several" is the correct form. "Severals" is not a standard English word. "Several" functions as a determiner or pronoun, indicating more than two but not many.

What's the difference between "Few" and "Several"?

"Few" typically implies a smaller quantity than "several", and can sometimes carry a negative connotation, suggesting that the quantity is insufficient or disappointing. "Several" is more neutral.