several

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'several' is a correct and usable term in written English.
It is used to denote a small number of things, typically more than two or three but not a large amount. For example, you could say "Several people attended the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her small, frail frame and severe difficulties breathing have brought her to a rehabilitation clinic several miles from where her mother and five siblings live in the Mayan village of Quajarwalten.

The Guardian

There were several reasons for this.

The New York Times

Nazarbayev permitted a relatively high degree of political activity until the emergence of a reform movement called Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan, backed by several wealthy business people, in late 2001.

The Guardian

Several hundred supporters chanted for Erdoğan, the party's founder, but there was little sign of the huge crowds that gathered after past election victories.

The Guardian

Over the next two years, several prominent opposition figures were murdered in mysterious circumstances.

The Guardian

In the days that I followed Jones around, I heard several people who ran training programs in green professions complain that once their students had graduated they couldn't find work.

The Economist

Several, in fact.

The New York Times

Drastic cuts in public spending any time soon, as proposed by several of these candidates, look wildly irresponsible given the headwinds the US economy is facing from abroad.

The Guardian - Opinion

Zawahiri emerged as the "brains" of the militant group, playing a key role in several big attacks.

The Guardian

While Vargas has been an immigrant activist for several years, he has been a writer and reporter for more than a decade.

The Guardian

These are the ideal source of data, but there are several limitations with the data at this local level.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the context to determine if "several" is the most appropriate word. If the exact number is important, use a specific numeral instead.

Common error

Avoid using "several" excessively in formal or academic writing where greater precision is expected. Opt for more specific quantifiers when possible to enhance clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "several" is as a determiner, specifying a quantity that is more than two or three, but not a large number. Ludwig's AI confirms its usability in this role, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Unknown

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "several" functions as a determiner indicating a quantity more than a few, but not many. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage and acceptability in written English, with "aiResponseStatus":"RESPONSE_YES". It’s most commonly found in News & Media, and while versatile, it's crucial to consider context for precision. For scenarios demanding specificity, alternatives such as "a number of" or "multiple" might serve better. Bear in mind that "several" is already plural, so never add an 's'. "Several" conveys moderation or limitation in number. Use this guide to refine your writing and ensure accurate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a number of

Indicates a quantity greater than one, similar to "several" but potentially larger.

multiple

Highlights that there are more than one, without specifying an exact number.

a few

Implies a smaller quantity than "several", suggesting only a handful.

quite a few

Indicates a larger quantity than "several", suggesting a noticeable amount.

a good few

Similar to "quite a few", implying a substantial number.

various

Emphasizes the diversity of items or entities, rather than just their quantity.

numerous

Indicates a large number, more formal than "several".

some

A general term indicating an unspecified quantity or amount.

a quantity of

A more formal way to refer to an amount without specifying it exactly.

a couple of

Refers specifically to two, which is a smaller quantity than "several".

FAQs

How to use "several" in a sentence?

"Several" is used as a determiner to indicate more than two but not many. For example, "Several people attended the meeting" or "I have "several books" on the subject".

What can I say instead of "several"?

You can use alternatives like "a number of", "a few", "various", or "multiple" depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "several books" or "severals books"?

"Several books" is correct. "Several" is already plural, so you don't need to add an "s" to it. The word "severals" is not standard English.

What's the difference between "several" and "some"?

"Several" implies a more specific, though still unquantified, number greater than two, while "some" is more general and can refer to any amount. You would use "several" if you want to suggest a small but distinct number. For example: "I have several good friends", suggests I have 3-7 close friends, while "I have some good friends" just means I have a few.