Several boxes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Several boxes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a quantity of boxes, typically in contexts involving storage, shipping, or organization. Example: "We need to move several boxes to the new office location by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Several boxes, however, deliver movies straight to your TV, usually for $3 to $5 each.

The New York Times - Tech

Several boxes could be chosen.

BMJ Open

▶ Swallow several boxes of Imodium.

The Guardian - Music

"A successful dish ticks several boxes.

Independent

But dancing, she said, ticked several boxes.

The Guardian

* * * I took them out and dropped them in several boxes.

Cornell University

MGM is issuing several boxes of James Bond films.

The New York Times

Buy several boxes (or if sold in bulk, several pounds).

The New York Times - Magazine

Soon I'd filled several boxes, then several more.

The New Yorker

I clicked on Tel Aviv and several boxes appeared.

The New York Times - Travel

This subseries contains several boxes on the NSANL's investigation of the KKK.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Several boxes" when you want to indicate a quantity of boxes that is more than a few but not a large number. It provides a more precise alternative to vague terms like "some boxes".

Common error

Avoid using "Several boxes" in very casual conversations or informal writing where simpler terms like "a few boxes" or "some boxes" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Several boxes" functions as a determiner + noun indicating a quantity of containers. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. The word "several" modifies the noun "boxes", specifying an indefinite quantity greater than two.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

21%

Science

18%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Several boxes" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a quantity of boxes that is more than a few but not a large number. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic writing. While versatile, "Several boxes" is best used when a more precise quantity indication is needed, avoiding it in overly casual contexts where simpler alternatives might suffice. Remember to consider the overall tone and audience when deciding whether to use this phrase or explore alternatives like "a few boxes" or "multiple boxes".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A number of boxes

Emphasizes the quantity of boxes more directly.

Multiple boxes

A more formal and concise way to indicate more than one box.

Various boxes

Suggests a variety or assortment of boxes.

Numerous boxes

Indicates a large quantity of boxes.

A few boxes

Indicates a small quantity of boxes.

Some boxes

A less specific way to refer to more than one box.

Several containers

Uses a more general term for boxes.

Several packages

Emphasizes the packaged nature of the items.

A stack of boxes

Highlights the arrangement of the boxes.

A collection of boxes

Suggests a group of boxes gathered together.

FAQs

How can I use "Several boxes" in a sentence?

You can use "Several boxes" to describe a quantity of boxes that is more than a few, but not a large amount. For example, "The movers carried "several boxes" of books to the truck".

What are some alternatives to "Several boxes"?

Alternatives include "a few boxes", "some boxes", "multiple boxes", or "a number of boxes", depending on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "Several boxes" or "A few boxes"?

The choice between "Several boxes" and "a few boxes" depends on the intended meaning. "Several" typically indicates a slightly larger quantity than "a few", but both are relatively small numbers.

When is it appropriate to use "Several boxes" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "Several boxes" in both formal and informal writing when you want to convey that there is more than one box, but not an overwhelming amount. It is a neutral and commonly understood phrase.