several countries

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several countries" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a number of nations, typically more than two but not many, in various contexts such as discussions about international relations, travel, or global issues. Example: "Several countries have agreed to collaborate on climate change initiatives to reduce carbon emissions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Several countries soon exceeded them.

The New York Times

And several countries "opted out".

The Economist

Several countries are not bothered either way.

The Economist

Several countries share C-17 transport aircraft.

The Economist

In several countries inflation is rising.

The Economist

Several countries have streamlined bankruptcy rules.

The Economist

Several countries have acted against the flu.

The New York Times

Radium has been manufactured in several countries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Several countries and organizations maintain observer status.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Several countries have joined the programme.

The Economist

It is active in several countries.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of just saying “several countries”, try to use numbers to improve clarity (e.g., “more than three countries”, “about five countries”). This will improve clarity of your language.

Common error

Avoid using "several countries" as a vague substitute when specific countries are known and relevant to the discussion. Providing concrete examples strengthens your argument and demonstrates informed knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several countries" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a limited but unspecified number of nations. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "several countries" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote more than two nations without specifying an exact number. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and very common across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedia sources. It serves to indicate broad applicability while maintaining brevity. When employing this phrase, it's advisable to ensure that the context provides sufficient clarity, avoiding overgeneralization by being specific when relevant. Alternatives like "multiple nations" or "various countries" can be used to subtly shift the emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

multiple nations

Emphasizes the distinct national identities involved, suitable for formal contexts.

various nations

Highlights the diversity among the countries being referred to.

a number of countries

A more general way to indicate an unspecified quantity of countries.

many nations

Implies a larger quantity of countries compared to "several".

numerous states

A formal alternative, emphasizing the political entities involved.

several member states

Specific to organizations like the UN or EU, referring to countries that are members.

a few countries

Indicates a smaller number of countries than "several".

certain nations

Implies that the specific countries are known or identifiable.

some countries

A less specific alternative, simply indicating the presence of more than one country.

a handful of countries

Suggests a small and manageable number of countries.

FAQs

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

You can use "several countries" to refer to more than two nations, such as "Several countries have adopted similar policies", or "The issue affects "several countries in" the region".

What are some alternatives to "several countries"?

Alternatives to "several countries" include "multiple nations", "various countries", or "a number of countries", depending on the context.

Is it more accurate to say "several countries" or "many countries"?

"Several countries" implies a smaller, less defined number than "many countries". Use "several" when you want to indicate more than two, but not a large amount, and "many" when the quantity is larger or less specific.

When should I use "several countries" instead of listing specific countries?

Use "several countries" when the exact countries are not crucial to the point you're making, or when you want to avoid listing them for brevity. However, if the specific countries are significant, it's better to name them.