it is several

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is several" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to indicate a quantity or number, but it lacks context and specificity. Example: "It is several days until the event."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is several hundred short of its goal of 1,281 pilots.

Los Angeles Times

Or rather it is several interwoven thrillers, each with its own tense rhythm and explosive payoff.

The New York Times

Hence, it is several years premature to determine whether its implementation violates the constitution.

Huffington Post

It is several years later.

The New Yorker

It is several sizes too large.

The New York Times - Books

First, it is several orders of magnitude less computationally expensive.

Nature

It is several times, not just in one scene.

The New York Times - Arts

It is several, as the article said, not all 46.

The New York Times

It is several cuts above that dread epithet.

Independent

For large datasets, it is several orders of magnitude faster than the old cutting-plane algorithm.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In others, it is several-seeded and indehiscent but is divided transversely into single-seeded segments that break apart at maturity (e.g., Desmodium).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a quantity, use "there are several" instead of "it is several" to ensure grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using "it is" to introduce a plural subject. Use "there are" to correctly agree with the plural "several".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is several" functions as a descriptor indicating quantity or extent. While frequently encountered, Ludwig AI indicates that this construction is grammatically incorrect. The correct structure would typically involve using "there are several" instead.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

39%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "it is several" appears frequently across diverse sources like news, science, and academic publications, Ludwig AI marks it as grammatically incorrect. The analysis underscores that the intended function of the phrase is to indicate a quantity greater than one, but its structure violates standard subject-verb agreement rules. For clearer and more accurate communication, it is best practice to opt for alternatives like "there are several". Understanding the prevalence and pitfalls of "it is several" ensures more effective and grammatically sound writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there are several

Replaces "it is" with "there are" to create a grammatically sound construction for indicating quantity.

there have been several

Adds the aspect of time and completion, implying a series of events have occurred.

it comprises several

Emphasizes composition, where 'it' consists of multiple components.

it includes several

Highlights the inclusion of multiple items within a larger set.

a few

Offers a simpler, less precise way to indicate a small quantity.

some

A general term to indicate an unspecified quantity or number.

various

Emphasizes diversity within a group of items or elements.

numerous

Indicates a large quantity without specifying the exact number.

a number of

A more formal way to express an indefinite quantity.

multiple

Highlights the presence of more than one item or element.

FAQs

How can I correctly use a phrase indicating multiple items or points?

Instead of using the grammatically questionable phrase "it is several", opt for alternatives like "there are several" or "there have been several" for clearer and more accurate communication.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "it is several" that maintain a similar meaning?

Consider using phrases such as "it comprises several", "it includes several", or simply "a few" depending on the context and the degree of formality required.

Is there a difference between using "it is several" and "there are several"?

Yes, "it is several" is grammatically awkward and often considered incorrect. "There are several" is the correct and preferred way to express that multiple items or points exist.

When might I use a phrase other than "it is several" to indicate quantity?

Use alternatives like "numerous", "various", or "multiple" when you want to emphasize the quantity or diversity of something without using the phrase "there are several".