several boxes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several boxes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an unspecified number of boxes that is more than two but not many. Example: "I need to pack several boxes for the move this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

▶ Swallow several boxes of Imodium.

The Guardian - Music

"A successful dish ticks several boxes.

Independent

But dancing, she said, ticked several boxes.

The Guardian

* * * I took them out and dropped them in several boxes.

Cornell University

MGM is issuing several boxes of James Bond films.

The New York Times

Buy several boxes (or if sold in bulk, several pounds).

The New York Times - Magazine

Soon I'd filled several boxes, then several more.

The New Yorker

I clicked on Tel Aviv and several boxes appeared.

The New York Times - Travel

This subseries contains several boxes on the NSANL's investigation of the KKK.

Columbia University

Several boxes, however, deliver movies straight to your TV, usually for $3 to $5 each.

The New York Times - Tech

The next evening, he took several boxes of them to his studio and started experimenting.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about moving or shipping, consider adding details about the size or contents of the "several boxes" to provide more context for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "several boxes" when you actually mean a very large or overwhelming number of boxes. "Several" implies a moderate amount, so use "many boxes" or "numerous boxes" instead for larger quantities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several boxes" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "several" acts as a determiner quantifying the noun "boxes". Ludwig confirms that it follows standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

19%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "several boxes" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as supported by Ludwig AI, to indicate a quantity of boxes greater than two but not a large amount. It is versatile for both formal and informal writing. While Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness, be mindful not to overestimate the quantity when using "several". Consider alternatives like "a few boxes" or "multiple boxes" to better suit the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a number of boxes

Replaces "several" with "a number of", indicating an unspecified quantity.

multiple boxes

Uses "multiple" instead of "several", directly stating that there is more than one box.

a few boxes

Substitutes "several" with "a few", suggesting a smaller, indefinite quantity.

many boxes

A simple and direct alternative, indicating a large quantity.

various boxes

Emphasizes the variety or assortment of boxes rather than just the quantity.

numerous boxes

Indicates a large quantity of boxes, more formal than "several".

a couple of boxes

Implies a smaller quantity, specifically two boxes.

a quantity of boxes

A more formal way to indicate an unspecified amount of boxes.

a stack of boxes

Refers to the boxes in a stacked or piled arrangement.

a set of boxes

Suggests the boxes belong together or are part of a collection.

FAQs

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

"Several boxes" can be used to describe a quantity of containers greater than two, but not an overwhelming amount. For example, "The movers carried "several boxes" from the truck into the house."

What is a good alternative to "several boxes"?

Alternatives to "several boxes" include "a few boxes", "a number of boxes", or "multiple boxes". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more accurate to say "several boxes" or "many boxes"?

The choice between "several boxes" and "many boxes" depends on the quantity you're describing. "Several" indicates a moderate quantity, while "many" suggests a larger amount. If you're talking about a relatively small number, "several" is more appropriate.

Can "several boxes" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "several boxes" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It's a neutral and widely understood phrase. However, in very formal contexts, you might consider "a number of boxes" as a slightly more elevated alternative.