it was several

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was several" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an unspecified number of items or occurrences in the past. Example: "It was several weeks before I heard back from them regarding my application."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It was several times".

The New Yorker

It was several White House staffers.

The New Yorker

It was several years ago".

The New York Times

It was several lifetimes ago.

The Guardian - Books

It was several pages, all boilerplate.

The New Yorker

He said it was several years away.

The New York Times - Sports

It was several hours before she came back to us.

The New York Times

It was several months before I braved the door.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was several years before she resumed painting.

The New Yorker

It was several weeks after leaving the hospital.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The investment problem seems to be more significant today than it was several decades ago.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was several", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the quantity you intend to convey. If a more precise number is known, it's often better to use that for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was several" when you have an exact number in mind. "Several" implies an approximate quantity, so replace it with the specific number if accuracy is important.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was several" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, indicating an indefinite quantity or duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, often used to express an approximate number or extent. Examples in Ludwig highlight its usage across time, distance, and occurrences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was several" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote an indefinite, yet notable, quantity or duration. Analysis of numerous examples through Ludwig shows its prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to ensure that the context aligns with the intended level of approximation, avoiding its use when a specific number is known or required. As Ludwig AI confirms, "it was several" is a correct and usable phrase, making it a valuable tool in your writing arsenal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there were multiple

Emphasizes the existence of more than one, highlighting multiplicity rather than an estimated quantity.

there were a number of

Indicates an indefinite quantity, similar to 'several' but with a slightly more formal tone.

it involved numerous

Focuses on the high count, implying a large quantity or involvement of many elements.

it encompassed various

Highlights diversity within the quantity, emphasizing different types or aspects.

it took many

Indicates a considerable quantity required to achieve something, focusing on the amount needed.

it spanned diverse

Emphasizes the range and variety covered within the 'several' instances.

it consisted of sundry

Highlights the varied nature of the components involved, implying a collection of different items.

it comprised a few

Suggests a small number, less than 'several', but still more than one.

there were quite a few

Implies a more substantial number than 'several', suggesting a notable amount.

there existed plentiful

Stresses abundance and availability, implying a rich supply or ample quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "it was several" in a sentence?

You can use "it was several" to indicate an indefinite number of something. For example, "it was several years before she returned to her hometown" or "it was several times that he attempted to contact her".

What are some alternatives to "it was several"?

Alternatives include "there were multiple", "there were a number of", or using a more specific quantity if known.

Is it better to say "it was several" or "it was a few"?

The choice depends on the context. "It was several" suggests more than just a couple, while "it was a few" indicates a smaller quantity, closer to two or three. Use whichever best reflects the actual number involved.

What does "it was several" imply about the quantity?

"It was several" implies a quantity greater than two or three but not a large number. It suggests an indefinite amount that is more than just a few but less than many.