several cartons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several cartons" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a quantity of cartons, typically in contexts involving shipping, packaging, or storage. Example: "We received several cartons of supplies for the upcoming event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

When she died, she left several cartons, intriguingly marked "private".

The New Yorker

The raiders also opened several cartons of milk.

The New Yorker

I have several cartons of waffles covered in frost in the freezer.

The New York Times

And several cartons landed in the fruit section, covering the apples and melons and bananas with dripping egg white.

The New Yorker

He drove into Shepperton, broke a window of the supermarket, and collected several cartons of canned meat and vegetables, rice, and sugar.

The New Yorker

The Clintons called in restorers from Argosy Books, at 116 East 59th Street, who went through several cartons of books that were already moldy and said that most were beyond repair and would have to be replaced.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The discount hasn't escaped Lucy Ellis either, wheeling out her pram, several discount cartons of Robinson's Fruit Shoot hanging off the handlebars.

Independent

"It's about me," said the gaunt and balding Mr. Nasseri, seated between two luggage carts piled with suitcases, plastic bags and several Lufthansa shipping cartons.

The New York Times

Detective Collins took not only the money, but also several bags full of cartons of Newport cigarettes, according to the complaint.

The New York Times

When the Berlin Wall was coming down, Ad Age sent me behind the Curtain to cover the story from the other side from Hungary, Czecho and East Germany, an expedition fueled by U.S. dollar bills, several hundred of them, and cartons of Marlboros to pass around as tips and fees to helpful locals.

Forbes

It consists of several frightened-looking men holding cartons of milk as offerings for their better, angrier halves.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "several cartons", ensure the context clearly defines what the cartons contain. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

While "several" is a valid quantifier, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using alternatives such as "a few", "multiple", or specifying a more precise number if possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several cartons" functions as a noun phrase, where "several" acts as a determiner quantifying the noun "cartons". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

19%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "several cartons" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase. It is used to denote a quantity of "cartons". Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Wiki", and "Science" sources, it maintains a neutral register. While its use is widespread, remember to provide context for what the cartons contain and avoid overuse for stylistic clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

many cartons

A simpler, more direct alternative using "many" instead of "several".

a few boxes

Uses a more general term "boxes" instead of the more specific "cartons" and quantifies with "a few" instead of "several".

a number of boxes

Similar to "a few boxes", but slightly more formal.

several cardboard containers

Uses a more generic term "containers" but maintains the material "cardboard".

multiple packages

Replaces "cartons" with "packages", indicating a broader range of container types.

various cardboard boxes

Emphasizes the material (cardboard) and uses "various" to indicate diversity.

numerous containers

Employs a more formal tone with "numerous" and a broader term "containers".

a quantity of cartons

A more formal way of indicating an unspecified amount of cartons.

a collection of cartons

Suggests a deliberate gathering or assortment of cartons.

a stack of cartons

Implies the cartons are arranged in a pile, adding spatial information.

FAQs

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

You can use "several cartons" to describe a quantity of packaged goods. For example, "The movers brought "several cartons" of books into the house."

What are some alternatives to using "several cartons"?

Alternatives include "a few boxes", "multiple packages", or "numerous containers", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality. Each offers a slightly different nuance in meaning.

Is it better to say "several cartons" or "many cartons"?

Both "several cartons" and "many cartons" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on personal preference and the desired tone. "Several" implies a smaller quantity than "many".

Can I use "several cartons" when the contents of the cartons are unknown?

Yes, you can use "several cartons" even if the contents are unknown, but it's better to provide context if possible. For example, "Several cartons were delivered, but no one knew what was inside."