several components

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several components" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple parts or elements that make up a whole, often in technical or descriptive contexts. Example: "The project consists of several components, including software, hardware, and user interfaces."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The health insurance program has several components.

The New York Times

There's several components that are required.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Mesa distribution consists of several components.

Yale University

There are several components of the problem.

Cornell University

The fee is broken down into several components.

The New York Times

A strong news tip will have several components.

The New York Times

There are several components in the flow of the program.

Cornell University

The hardware for this project included several components.

Cornell University

In practice, however, the answer is more complicated, because the question has several components.

The Guardian - Business

They will continue to provide several components, including fuselages, to Boeing.

The New York Times

From our side of the ocean, the Yankophobia seems to have several components.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "several components", ensure that each component is clearly defined or easily understood within the context. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "several components" as a vague placeholder. Always specify what those components are, even if briefly, to give the reader concrete information. For example, instead of "The system has several components", say "The system has several components: a database, an API, and a user interface".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several components" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts. It identifies multiple elements within a larger entity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "several components" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe multiple parts of a whole. As affirmed by Ludwig, it is frequently used across various domains, including science, news, and academia. While the phrase itself is straightforward, it's important to provide context by specifying the components to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "various elements" or "multiple parts" can be used depending on the desired nuance. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use "several components" to enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

component parts

Stresses the essential nature of these components for proper functionality of a whole.

various elements

Emphasizes variety or diversity among the components.

multiple parts

Highlights the distinct and separable nature of the components.

numerous constituents

Suggests a more formal or technical context, emphasizing the individual building blocks.

a number of aspects

Shifts the focus to different perspectives or considerations related to a topic.

a range of features

Highlights the variety and scope of different attributes or characteristics.

diverse facets

Emphasizes the multifaceted nature of a subject or issue.

key aspects

Focuses on important components of a larger entity.

several ingredients

Implies that components are mixed to create a compound or result.

integral factors

Emphasizes the necessary components, which determine the resulting outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "several components" to indicate that something consists of multiple parts or elements. For example, "The software package includes several components, such as a text editor, a spreadsheet program, and a presentation tool."

What are some alternatives to "several components"?

You can use alternatives like "various elements", "multiple parts", or "numerous constituents" depending on the specific context.

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

"Several components" and "many components" are often interchangeable, but "several" implies a more specific, limited number, while "many" suggests a larger, less defined quantity. Choose the one that best fits the level of precision you want to convey.

What's the difference between "component parts" and "several components"?

"Component parts" emphasizes the essential nature of the components for the functionality of the whole. "Several components" simply indicates that there are multiple parts without necessarily stressing their importance.