one or several

USAGE SUMMARY

'one or several' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to indicate that one or multiple items can be selected from the available options. For example: "Please select one or several books to borrow from the library."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Endogenous constructs depend on one or several exogenous constructs.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

These factors may affect one or several other nodes depending on the case.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

One or several subsequent whorls are observed.

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology

Combined cycle plants may employ one or several gas turbines.

Power Generation Technologies

This search algorithm can identify one or several optimal solutions.

Chinese Journal of Aeronautics

Each stage was characterized by one or several indicator species.

Applied Soil Ecology

Users can download one or several RealAudio lessons at once.

The New York Times - Tech

Or solo players can play against one or several simulants.

The New York Times - Tech

Tackle one or several regions or countries at a time.

The Guardian

A multilayered particle is illuminated by plane acoustic or electromagnetic waves of one or several frequencies.

Journal of Computational Physics

M stands for one or several carbide or nitride stabilising alloy elements.

Acta Materialia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one or several" when you want to indicate that either a single item is acceptable, or a small, limited number of items are acceptable.

Common error

While "one or several" implies a small number greater than one, avoid using it when the quantity could realistically be very large. In such cases, "one or more" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one or several" functions as a quantifier, indicating a choice between a single item or a small number of items. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a usable and grammatically correct expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

77%

News & Media

16%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "one or several" is a grammatically sound and frequently used quantifier that indicates a choice between a single item or a small number of items. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is appropriate for a wide range of contexts. While it maintains a neutral tone, it's important to consider the intended quantity and use alternatives like "one or more" when a larger range is possible. This phrase is most commonly found in scientific and news-related content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one or more

Indicates a quantity of at least one, without specifying an upper limit, implying a broader range than "one or several".

one or a few

Suggests a small number of items if more than one, implying a more limited quantity compared to "one or several".

single or multiple

Uses more formal language to convey the same meaning, suitable for technical or official contexts.

one, some, or many

Expands the range of possibilities, explicitly including a larger quantity.

either one or more than one

A more verbose and emphatic way of stating the choice, often used for clarity in legal or technical documents.

a single or several

Rephrases the construction while maintaining the same meaning, placing emphasis on 'a single' rather than 'one'.

at least one, possibly more

Highlights the minimum quantity while acknowledging the possibility of a higher number.

one or a number of

Indicates an unspecified quantity greater than one, suggesting a potentially larger amount than "several".

one, or a couple of

Implies a small number, focusing more on the lower end of the quantity spectrum.

one or some

Similar to "one or a few" but slightly less specific about the quantity beyond one.

FAQs

How can I use "one or several" in a sentence?

You can use "one or several" to indicate that either a single item is acceptable, or a small number of items are acceptable. For example, "You may choose "one or several" options from the list".

What phrases are similar to "one or several"?

Similar phrases include "one or more", "one or a few", or "single or multiple". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "one or several" formal or informal?

"One or several" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. More formal alternatives exist, such as "single or multiple", but aren't always necessary.

When should I use "one or more" instead of "one or several"?

Use "one or more" when the quantity could realistically be a large number. "One or several" implies a small number greater than one, so it's less appropriate when a large quantity is possible.