several angels

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several angels" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a quantity of angels that is more than two but not many, often in a religious or metaphorical context. Example: "In the painting, several angels were depicted descending from the heavens, bringing messages of hope."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Twelve –10 people (including several angels, killed repeatedly), one cow and one poor dog.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He was not too troubled; apparently several angels indicated that they would show up for Notiva's follow-up lunch.

The New York Times

Calvin is one of several angels who guide this book to its conclusion, angels who serve not only as dei ex machinis inside the hospital but who, in alternating voices, tell the novel's story.

The New York Times - Books

Accel Partners led the round, joined by the company's earlier investors, Index Ventures and several angels.

TechCrunch

Several angels also contributed to the round, including Amazon President and CEO Jeff Bezos.

TechCrunch

Asana has raised just over $10 million from several angels, Benchmark Capital and Andreessen Horowitz.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Several angel investors are banking on that, including Toby Coppel, the former head of Yahoo Europe, Index Ventures and the Accelerator Group.

The New York Times

He personally has made several angel investments in Bitcoin-related startups like BitPremier and Coinsetter.

TechCrunch

The investment was led by NEA with K9 Ventures, Village Global and several angel investors also participating.

TechCrunch

The round was led by True Ventures with Felicis Ventures and several angel investors also participating.

TechCrunch

Pocket has raised $2.5 million in funding from Foundation Capital, Baseline Ventures, Google Ventures, Founder Collective, and several angel investors.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "several angels", consider the context. Is it a literal reference in a religious or mythological context, or a metaphorical reference to helpful people? Ensure clarity to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "several angels" in purely secular contexts where it sounds overly dramatic or out of place. Opt for more neutral terms like "several helpers" or "a number of assistants" unless a metaphorical connection to angelic qualities is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several angels" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It describes a quantity of angelic beings. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "several angels" is grammatically correct and serves to denote a non-specific, yet limited, quantity of angels. According to Ludwig, its usage spans religious, mythological, and metaphorical contexts. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears most often in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When writing, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in purely secular settings to ensure clarity and appropriateness. Alternative phrases include "a few angels" or "a number of angels" depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few angels

Replaces "several" with "a few", indicating a smaller, less definite number.

some angels

Uses "some" instead of "several", implying an unspecified quantity.

multiple angels

Replaces "several" with "multiple", providing a more direct synonym.

a number of angels

Substitutes "several" with "a number of", offering a more formal tone.

a group of angels

Emphasizes the collective nature of the angels.

various angels

Highlights the diversity or variety within the group of angels.

a handful of angels

Indicates a small, limited number of angels.

certain angels

Suggests that the specific angels are known or have been predetermined.

numerous angels

Indicates a large quantity of angels.

a selection of angels

Implies that these angels were chosen from a larger group.

FAQs

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

You can use "several angels" to refer to multiple angelic beings in religious or mythological contexts, such as "In the artwork, "several angels" are depicted flying above the manger."

What's a more neutral alternative to "several angels"?

If the context isn't inherently religious, consider using phrases like "a number of helpers" or "multiple guardians" instead of ""several angels"".

Is it appropriate to use "several angels" metaphorically?

Yes, you can use ""several angels"" metaphorically to describe people who provide guidance or support, but be mindful of the tone and audience to ensure it doesn't sound overly sentimental or religious.

What is the difference between "a few angels" and "several angels"?

"A few angels" implies a smaller number, generally three or four, while ""several angels"" suggests a slightly larger, less precise number, typically more than three but not a great many.