several attendees

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several attendees" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a number of people who are present at an event or gathering. Example: "During the conference, several attendees expressed their interest in the new product line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There were no dissenters, several attendees recalled.

The New York Times

Several attendees said worshipers were physically assaulted.

The New York Times

The message did not resonate, according to several attendees.

The New York Times

There, according to several attendees, she challenged Gates.

The New Yorker

The bill sometimes hits $15,000, according to several attendees.

The New York Times

The day, according to several attendees, started as it always did, promptly at 8 a.m.

The New York Times

Several attendees argued that past selections had not been so credible.

The Guardian - Books

Several attendees put their hands over their hearts as the national anthem — America's — was sung.

The New Yorker

Several attendees of the Pulse nightclub have said Mateen was a frequent, often belligerent, presence.

The Guardian

Several attendees saw the common ground that the chief executives and political leaders were pitching.

The New York Times

Several attendees said props masters were first and foremost jacks-of-all-trades.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For less formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "a few people" or "some guests".

Common error

Avoid assuming "several" implies a large number. "Several" typically means more than two, but less than many. If you want to convey a large number, consider using "many attendees" or "numerous attendees".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several attendees" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "several" acts as a determiner modifying the noun "attendees". It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating a group of individuals present at an event, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "several attendees" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a non-specific but limited number of people present at an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely employed in news and media, serving to introduce groups whose actions or opinions are being reported. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the context and choose more specific alternatives if a more precise count or level of formality is required. The phrase's simplicity and clarity contribute to its consistent and widespread use across various reliable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a number of participants

Replaces "several" with "a number", providing a more formal tone but retaining the same meaning.

quite a few attendees

Emphasizes the quantity with "quite a few", which implies a noticeable number.

multiple guests

Substitutes "attendees" with "guests", which might be more appropriate depending on the event.

some individuals in attendance

Replaces "attendees" with the more descriptive "individuals in attendance", keeping a similar level of formality.

various individuals present

Uses more formal language, replacing "several" with "various" and "attendees" with "individuals present".

many participants

Uses "many" as a less precise quantifier than "several", and replaces "attendees" with "participants".

numerous people present

Emphasizes a larger quantity using "numerous" instead of "several", and "present" instead of attendees.

a considerable number of attendees

Highlights the significance of the quantity of attendees, using "a considerable number".

a few people there

Offers a more casual alternative, replacing "several attendees" with a less formal expression.

a group of people present

Highlights the collective aspect, using "a group of people" instead of a numerical quantifier.

FAQs

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

You can use "several attendees" to indicate that a few people were present at an event or meeting. For example, "Several attendees commented on the speaker's remarks after the presentation."

What's a good alternative to "several attendees"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "a number of participants", "multiple guests", or "many participants". The best choice will depend on the specific situation and desired level of formality.

Is "several attendees" a formal or informal phrase?

"Several attendees" is considered a relatively neutral to formal phrase, suitable for news reports, business communications, and official documents. For more informal situations, consider alternatives like "a few people there".

Does "several" imply a specific number of people?

No, "several" is not precise. It means more than two, but fewer than "many". The exact number implied by "several" can vary depending on context, but it generally suggests a small but noticeable group.