several accounts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several accounts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple instances or reports of a situation or event, often in contexts like finance, social media, or testimonies. Example: "According to several accounts, the event was a huge success and exceeded all expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Several accounts have been closed.

The New York Times

Mr. Refaei was hacked to death, according to several accounts.

The New York Times

According to several accounts, Powell's brother was mentally ill.

The New York Times - Books

There are several accounts of what happened next.

The Guardian

Indeed, several accounts have falsely described it as a novel.

The Guardian - Books

Several accounts report that his heart stopped twice.

The New Yorker

In Britain, a website serving parents had several accounts hijacked.

The Economist

On Tuesday morning, Mr. Robinson arrived at work fuming, according to several accounts.

The New York Times

According to several accounts, units of Arabs were sent to the airport to reinforce Taliban fighters.

The New York Times

Several accounts of Mr. Hanke's forays into Indonesia described him as "an obscure economics professor".

The New York Times

By several accounts, Sturgeon is admired by her civil servants and liked by her constituents.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "several accounts" to introduce a discussion where there are multiple, possibly conflicting, reports or interpretations of a situation. This signals that you are presenting a balanced view.

Common error

Avoid using "several accounts" as a substitute for providing concrete evidence. Vague references can weaken your argument. Always aim to cite specific sources or provide detailed summaries of the accounts you are referencing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several accounts" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating that there are multiple reports, narratives, or versions of an event or situation. It is commonly used to introduce information that is supported by more than one source, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

14%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "several accounts" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that information is supported by multiple sources. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across various contexts. It is primarily used in news and media, but also appears frequently in scientific and encyclopedic sources. When using the phrase, it's best practice to provide specific examples or sources to back up your claim, and to avoid using it as a substitute for concrete evidence. Related phrases include "multiple reports" and "various versions", offering alternative ways to express the same idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several reports

A direct synonym, maintains a neutral tone.

multiple reports

Emphasizes the existence of numerous documented records.

a number of accounts

Offers a more formal alternative, indicating a specific yet unquantified amount.

various versions

Highlights differing narratives or interpretations of an event.

numerous narratives

Focuses on the storytelling aspect of the different accounts.

different perspectives

Stresses the subjective viewpoints from which the accounts are presented.

multiple perspectives

Highlights the viewpoint in each account.

diverse accounts

Stresses the accounts are varied in nature.

various testimonies

Implies formal or legal settings where accounts are provided.

a few accounts

Suggests there are accounts but not too many of them.

FAQs

How can I use "several accounts" in a sentence?

You can use "several accounts" to indicate that information is supported by multiple sources. For example, "According to several accounts, the event was a success."

What phrases are similar to "several accounts"?

Alternatives include "multiple reports", "various versions", or "numerous narratives", each conveying a similar sense of multiple sources or perspectives.

Is it better to say "several accounts" or "multiple accounts"?

"Several accounts" and "multiple accounts" are often interchangeable. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. Both indicate more than one source, but "multiple" might suggest a larger number.

When should I avoid using the phrase "several accounts"?

Avoid using "several accounts" if you cannot substantiate the claim with specific examples or sources. In such cases, it's better to provide a more general statement or conduct further research to find supporting evidence.