several courses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several courses" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple classes or subjects in an educational context, or to describe a variety of dishes served in a meal. Example: "The university offers several courses in computer science, including programming, data structures, and algorithms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The OECD has several courses of action.

The Guardian

The Island boasts several courses in this original mold.

The New York Times

Several courses followed, meagre and mainly protein-free.

The New Yorker

He immediately launched several courses of civic improvement.

The New York Times

Several courses later, desert at Campanile seemed as distant as the Crab Nebula.

The New York Times - Style

But pasta is generally only one of several courses in a typical Italian meal.

The New York Times

A tasting menu of several courses, at the chef's discretion, is $64 $1022 with wine).

The New York Times - Travel

I ordered several courses and ate almost nothing, except for a little side of salty cucumbers.

The New Yorker

Several courses will be linked with Mercy College, where students can earn college credits for them.

The New York Times

Cumulatively, the effect becomes akin to gorging yourself on several courses of the same rich food.

The Guardian - Books

PEKING DUCK, a centuries-old tradition in Beijing restaurants, customarily comprised several courses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When talking about meals, use "several courses" to describe a multi-dish dining experience.

Common error

While "several courses" is grammatically correct, it might sound overly formal in everyday conversation. Consider using alternatives like "a few classes" or "some subjects" for a more casual tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several courses" functions primarily as a quantifier followed by a noun. It indicates that there are multiple instances of a particular subject matter studied in an academic environment or a sequence of dishes served during a meal. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across a wide range of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

39%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "several courses" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote multiple subjects or units of study or a succession of dishes in a meal. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its wide acceptance and appropriate usage. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it appears most frequently in news and media and scientific contexts. While "several courses" is generally appropriate, remember to select alternative expressions like "a few classes" or "various subjects" for less formal situations. By understanding its usage patterns and potential substitutes, you can effectively incorporate "several courses" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

multiple classes

Replaces "courses" with "classes", emphasizing the educational aspect.

various subjects

Emphasizes the variety of topics covered.

a number of courses

A more formal alternative to "several courses".

a few courses

Indicates a smaller quantity of courses.

certain courses

Highlights that specific courses are being referred to.

some courses

A more general alternative.

numerous classes

Similar to "multiple classes" but suggests a larger quantity.

different subjects

Highlights the diversity of the subjects.

a selection of courses

Emphasizes that there's a choice of courses.

a range of subjects

Suggests a spectrum of topics.

FAQs

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

"Several courses" can be used to describe academic studies, as in "She took several courses in biology" or a multi-dish meal, such as "The dinner consisted of several courses".

What are some alternatives to "several courses"?

You can use alternatives like "multiple classes", "various subjects", or "a number of courses" depending on the context.

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

Both "several courses" and "many courses" are grammatically correct and interchangeable. However, "several" implies a more definite and smaller number than "many".

When should I use "several courses" instead of "a few courses"?

"Several courses" implies more than just "a few courses". Use "several" when you want to emphasize that there are more than a minimal number of options or studies.