several children

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several children" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a group of children, usually of 3 or more. For example: "The teacher entered the classroom and noticed several children had already arrived."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I've got several children.

The Guardian

Several children were also wounded.

The New York Times

Several children looked skeptical.

The New Yorker

Several children were nearby at the time.

The New York Times

He was married and had several children.

The New York Times - Sports

"For what?" several children demanded.

The New York Times

Stephanie had 2 marriages & several children.

The New Yorker

Some take charge of several children.

The New York Times

Mary and Robert had several children, including Benjamin.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

(Karen has several children, geographically scattered, with different fathers).

The New York Times - Books

Her body suggests she has borne several children.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "several children" when you want to indicate a number greater than two, but without specifying an exact quantity. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "several children" when the exact number is known and relevant. If you know there are exactly three children, it's more precise to say "three children" rather than "several children".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several children" functions as a determiner + noun, modifying an unspecified number of children. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, reflecting its common presence in diverse contexts. It's used to indicate quantity without precision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

28%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "several children" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a group of children without specifying an exact number. According to Ludwig AI, it's widely used across various contexts, primarily in news media and academic writing. While alternatives like "multiple children" or "many children" exist, "several children" strikes a balance between formality and informality, making it suitable for diverse communication needs. Remember to avoid using "several" when the exact number is known and relevant, opting for more precise language in such cases. Overall, "several children" remains a versatile and reliable choice for indicating a quantity greater than two but less than many.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

multiple children

A more formal synonym, emphasizing the number of children.

many children

A simpler and more general way to indicate a large number of children.

numerous children

Similar to 'many', but slightly more formal and emphasizing a large quantity.

a number of children

A more descriptive phrase, indicating an unspecified quantity of children.

several kids

A more informal alternative using the word 'kids' instead of 'children'.

a few children

Indicates a smaller, but still indefinite, number of children.

some children

A general term indicating the presence of children, without specifying the exact number.

various children

Implies a collection of children, possibly from different backgrounds or groups.

different children

Highlights the individuality or diversity within a group of children.

a couple of children

Indicates a small number of children, usually two.

FAQs

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

You can use "several children" to describe a group of children, indicating more than two but not specifying an exact number. For example: "Several children were playing in the park."

What is a more formal alternative to "several children"?

A more formal alternative to "several children" is "multiple children". It's suitable for academic or professional writing.

Is it appropriate to use "several kids" instead of "several children"?

While "several kids" is acceptable in informal contexts, "several children" is generally preferred in more formal or professional settings.

What's the difference between "a few children" and "several children"?

"A few children" implies a smaller number than "several children". "Several" suggests more than just a few, typically three or more.