at various places

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at various places" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate multiple locations or sites where something occurs or is found. Example: "The artwork can be seen at various places throughout the city, including parks and galleries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You can see corpses strewn at various places on the way down.

The Guardian

Summers he was a guest at various places in England & on the continent.

The New Yorker

But the coverage was spotty, with cold patches at various places.

The New York Times

In an amusing promotional video, the band plays at various places in town, to general disinterest.

The New York Times - Arts

In ancient times small states were gradually formed at various places.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thereafter she taught in freedmen's schools at various places in the South and in Washington, D.C.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They make their journeys in sections, stopping and working at various places along the route.

The Economist

Similarly, the Saint-Michel Métro station had shut after water began to seep in at various places.

The Guardian

We look for some signal that the particle leaves at various places, and then track the trajectory.

The New York Times

Mullah Omar has reportedly been sighted at various places in the province since he slipped out of Kandahar in December.

The New York Times

Since 1995, John Blenn has written 25 plays that have been produced at various places on Long Island.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at various places", ensure that the context clearly indicates the relevance of mentioning multiple locations. Avoid using it when a single location would suffice for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "at various places" when the exact locations are irrelevant or unknown. If the specific locations do not contribute meaningfully to the statement, consider using a more general phrase like "in many instances" or "frequently".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at various places" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate location. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts ranging from describing event locations to the distribution of phenomena.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at various places" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate that something occurs in multiple, often unspecified, locations. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for diverse writing contexts. It's frequently found in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, suggesting a neutral to formal tone. While versatile, it should be used thoughtfully, avoiding overuse in vague contexts where the specific locations are irrelevant. Alternatives like "in several locations" or "in diverse locations" may provide more specific or nuanced meanings depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in several locations

Replaces "various places" with "several locations", maintaining a similar meaning but emphasizing the distinctiveness of the locations.

in diverse locations

Substitutes "various places" with "diverse locations", highlighting the variety of locations.

at multiple sites

Uses "multiple sites" instead of "various places", focusing on the numerical aspect of the locations.

in different spots

Replaces "places" with "spots", offering a more informal alternative with a slightly less formal tone.

across numerous locations

Substitutes "at various places" with "across numerous locations", implying a wider distribution.

in numerous areas

Replaces "various places" with "numerous areas", shifting the focus to areas instead of specific points.

at scattered locations

Uses "scattered locations" to emphasize the dispersed nature of the places.

in varied spots

Combines the ideas of variety and informality by using "varied spots".

throughout differing locations

Implies locations are not only different but also spread out over an area.

at distinct points

Emphasizes that the locations are clearly distinguishable from one another.

FAQs

How can I use "at various places" in a sentence?

Use "at various places" to indicate that something occurs or exists in multiple, unspecified locations. For example, "The festival will host events "in several locations" throughout the city".

What are some alternatives to "at various places"?

You can use alternatives such as "in different locations", "at multiple sites", or "in diverse locations" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "at various places" and "at several places"?

While both phrases are similar, "at various places" implies a wider range or greater diversity of locations compared to "at several places", which suggests a smaller, more specific number of locations. It could be replaced with "at multiple sites".

When is it appropriate to use "at various places" instead of "everywhere"?

"At various places" is suitable when you want to emphasize specific, though perhaps unspecified, locations. "Everywhere" implies a more general, all-encompassing presence. If that's the case "all over" is the way.