several fragments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several fragments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to multiple pieces or parts of something that are broken or incomplete. Example: "The archaeologists discovered several fragments of ancient pottery during their excavation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In GC-MS, however, stronger fragmentation occurs, i.e. one compound is described by several fragments.

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

For this show he created a beat-up but resourceful little city in several fragments.

The New York Times - Arts

Tuerlinckx has recreated several fragments of shows she has made around the world over the past 20 years.

The Guardian - Arts

Several fragments of the original Hebrew edition of Jubilees were found in the Qumrān library.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some of this material clutters the book, and several fragments might have worked better as parts of a longer story.

The New York Times - Books

There is also a small but notable repertoire of cast-bronze figures, including several fragments and complete examples of dancing girls, small chariots, carts, and animals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An enormous statue in several fragments, depicting the goddess Europa riding a bull, was being restored, and to facilitate this process the pieces had been suspended from a frame with slings.

The New Yorker

Indeed, the tiny rhythmic filigrees for cymbal and the melancholy little trumpet statements that punctuated the piece had an airy, jazzy feel, while the final movement had several fragments of what I can only call tunes.

The Guardian

Several fragments of Ebp2 and Brx1 were tested for crystallization.

Protein & Cell

For instance, several fragments of the sample prepared with k = 4 are shown in Figure 5b.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Several fragments were selected, and their contributions to multiple biological effects were calculated.

Multi-Scale Approaches in Drug Discovery From Empirical Knowledge to In Silico Experiments and Back

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "several fragments", consider the context and ensure the word "fragments" accurately reflects the nature of the broken pieces. Use more specific terms like "shards" or "segments" if appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "several fragments" to describe abstract ideas or non-physical entities. Reserve it for concrete objects that have been broken or divided into pieces. For abstract ideas, use "aspects" or "elements" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several fragments" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to multiple broken or detached pieces of a whole. Ludwig confirms its proper usage across contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

21%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "several fragments" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as Ludwig AI confirms. It functions as a noun phrase to describe multiple broken pieces, appearing most commonly in scientific and news contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for describing physical objects that have been broken or divided. When writing, consider the context to ensure "fragments" accurately reflects the nature of the pieces, and avoid using it metaphorically if clarity is compromised. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's applicability across various domains, reinforcing its place in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broken parts

It is the most literal replacement for "several fragments" but the structure is different.

a number of pieces

Emphasizes a specific quantity of pieces, altering the focus from fragmentation to enumeration.

multiple shards

Specifically refers to sharp, broken pieces, changing the connotation and context.

various segments

Highlights distinct parts or sections, shifting the emphasis to division rather than breakage.

disparate pieces

Highlights the lack of cohesion or connection between the pieces.

numerous portions

Focuses on the idea of dividing something into parts, differing from physical breakage.

several sections

Implies organized division into parts, unlike the haphazard nature of fragmentation.

a few bits

Indicates a small quantity of broken or small pieces, reducing the scale and impact.

some portions

Indicates indefinite quantity of dividing something into parts.

assorted remnants

Shifts the focus to what remains after something has been destroyed or used, rather than the act of breaking.

FAQs

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

You can use "several fragments" to describe broken pieces of an object, like "The archaeologists discovered several fragments of pottery" or "The vase broke into several fragments when it fell".

What are some synonyms for "several fragments"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "a number of pieces", "multiple shards", or "various segments".

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

"Several fragments" and "many fragments" are both grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. "Several" implies a more limited quantity than "many", but the choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Can "several fragments" be used to describe parts of a story or memory?

While "fragments" can metaphorically describe incomplete parts of a narrative or memory, it's important to ensure the usage is clear. In such cases, consider using alternatives like "various aspects" or "certain elements".