several boys

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several boys" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a group of boys, typically indicating more than two but not a large number. Example: "At the park, I saw several boys playing soccer together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Across town, several boys were walking back to their hotel.

The New York Times

Several boys stayed after practice, honing their skills.

The New York Times - Sports

Several boys crowded around a couch, Googling salaries.

The New Yorker

Several boys said they were saving for video games.

The New York Times

Households with several boys foster girls to help with the chores.

The Economist

Milch's paternal grandmother was the oldest of nine children, among them several boys with criminal propensities.

The New Yorker

He was the youngest of several boys; his brothers were much older.

The New Yorker

The denials ring hollow, however, to several boys who lived in the shelter in recent years.

The New York Times

Two Saudi men were beheaded in July for drug trafficking, robbery, and raping several boys.

The Guardian

His most recent show featured several boys in towering platform shoes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Several boys agreed that the girl deserved anything that might happen to her.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "several boys", ensure the context clarifies whether you are referring to a specific group or a general representation of boys. Avoid ambiguity by providing additional details.

Common error

Avoid using "several boys" when referring to a very large group. While "several" implies more than two, it's best suited for groups of around three to seven individuals. For larger groups, use "many" or "numerous".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several boys" functions as a noun phrase, where "several" is a determiner quantifying the noun "boys". According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

4%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "several boys" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a small group of boys. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to indicate quantity in a neutral register, commonly appearing in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "a few boys" or "some boys" exist, the choice depends on the desired nuance. When using this phrase, clarity about the group's identity and appropriate quantification are crucial. Ludwig's analysis underscores its versatility and correctness in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few boys

Emphasizes a smaller quantity compared to "several boys".

some boys

A more general term indicating an indefinite number of boys.

a number of boys

More formal way to indicate a group of boys.

multiple boys

Highlights that there is more than one boy involved.

various boys

Suggests a group of boys with diverse characteristics or backgrounds.

a handful of boys

Implies a small and easily manageable group of boys.

quite a few boys

Indicates a larger number than "a few", but still not a large group.

a couple of boys

Refers to a number closer to two, but still implies more than just two.

certain boys

Focuses on identifying specific boys within a larger group.

numerous boys

Highlights that there is a large group of boys.

FAQs

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

You can use "several boys" to describe a group of boys, like in the sentence, "Several boys were playing in the park this afternoon".

What are some alternatives to saying "several boys"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "a few boys", "some boys", or "a number of boys".

Is it more appropriate to say "several boys" or "many boys"?

"Several boys" is best when referring to a smaller group (around 3-7), while "many boys" is better for larger groups.

Is "several boys" grammatically correct?

Yes, "several boys" is grammatically correct. The word "several" is an adjective that modifies the noun "boys", indicating a quantity greater than two. According to Ludwig, this phrase is widely used in common English.