several cities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several cities" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to more than two but not many cities in a context where you are discussing locations, events, or comparisons. Example: "The festival will take place in several cities across the country, attracting visitors from all over."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Several cities saw prices rise.

The Economist

Several cities are considering leasing municipal assets.

The Economist

In several cities illegals occupied churches.

The Economist

Several cities boast Poe-related sites.

The New York Times - Arts

It slowly spread north to several cities.

The New York Times - Health

Devastating riots broke out in several cities.

The New Yorker

Several cities tax "sexual enjoyment", and more plan to.

The Economist

Several cities ban some drivers one day a week.

The Economist

Night classes for adults were also given in several cities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Several cities and towns in Wyoming have active theatre companies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is now celebrated in several cities around the world.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "several cities" when you want to indicate more than two cities but not an overwhelmingly large number. It strikes a balance between being specific and avoiding a long list.

Common error

Avoid using "several cities" if you can easily list the specific cities you are referring to. Being specific enhances clarity and provides more useful information to your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several cities" functions as a determiner plus a noun, modifying a verb or acting as a subject/object, indicating that an action, event or situation involves more than two but not a large number of urban centers. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "several cities" is a grammatically sound and frequently used way to refer to multiple urban locations without specifying each one individually. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is particularly common in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it is appropriate for the level of specificity required in your writing; if exact locations are important, consider listing the cities. If you aim to be less precise, consider related phrases such as "multiple cities" or "various cities". Overall, "several cities" is a versatile and useful phrase for general communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

multiple cities

Stresses the fact that there are more than one city involved.

some cities

A more general and less specific way to indicate more than one city.

a few cities

Emphasizes a smaller, less defined number of cities.

various cities

Highlights the diversity or variety among the cities.

different cities

Emphasizes the distinction or lack of uniformity between the cities.

numerous cities

Implies a larger, more significant number of cities.

a number of cities

Expresses an unspecified quantity of cities, often more formal.

certain cities

Suggests that specific cities are being referenced, but they are not named.

several metropolitan areas

Replaces "cities" with a broader term for urban zones.

a collection of cities

Implies a grouping or set of cities considered together.

FAQs

How do I use "several cities" in a sentence?

Use "several cities" to indicate that an action, event, or condition applies to more than two, but not many, urban locations. For example, "The protests occurred in several cities across the nation."

What can I say instead of "several cities"?

You can use alternatives like "multiple cities", "various cities", or "a few cities" depending on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

Is it better to use "several cities" or list the cities individually?

If the number of cities is small and relevant to your point, listing them individually provides clarity. If the exact cities are not important, or if there are too many to list, "several cities" is appropriate.

What's the difference between "several cities" and "many cities"?

"Several cities" implies a smaller number than "many cities". "Several" suggests more than two but less than a large, unspecified amount, while "many" indicates a larger, more indefinite quantity.