several hundred

USAGE SUMMARY

'several hundred' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a large number that is not an exact or precise quantity, for example: "Several hundred people attended the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Several hundred?

The New York Times - Tech

Several hundred were arrested.

The New York Times

Several hundred inscriptions exist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Several hundred spectators chanted: "Army!

The New York Times - Sports

"Several hundred," Hank replies.

The Guardian

There are several hundred jobs there".

The New York Times

Most of them cost several hundred dollars.

The New Yorker

Several hundred words is a good day.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Paulson finally said, "Several hundred billion means several hundred billion".

The New Yorker

We've sent out several hundred thousand.

The New Yorker

Several hundred million reasons, perhaps.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "several hundred", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended quantity. It implies a noticeable but not precisely defined number within the hundreds.

Common error

Avoid using "several hundred" when a more precise number is known. Using it despite knowing the exact value undermines the precision of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several hundred" functions as a quantifier, specifying an approximate number. It indicates a quantity greater than two hundred but less than a thousand, offering a sense of scale without demanding exact precision. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "several hundred" is a versatile and commonly used quantifier that indicates an approximate number within the hundreds range. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. It is most frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, making it suitable for both formal and informal writing. When using "several hundred", it's important to consider whether a more precise number is necessary and to avoid overstating the level of precision implied by the phrase. Alternatives like "hundreds of" or "a few hundred" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few hundred

Indicates a slightly smaller quantity, emphasizing the 'few' aspect more than "several hundred".

a good few hundred

Emphasizes the 'good' or substantial amount within the range of several hundred.

hundreds of

A more general term indicating a large number, without the specificity of "several hundred".

easily two hundred

Suggests that the number is at least two hundred, potentially more.

a couple hundred

Less formal and suggests a number closer to two hundred than a higher quantity.

over two hundred

Indicates a quantity exceeding two hundred, without specifying an upper limit within the 'several hundred' range.

around three hundred

Provides a more specific estimate, centering around the 300 mark.

two or three hundred

Specifies a smaller range, implying the number is likely between 200 and 300.

approximately four hundred

Gives a rough estimate around 400, adding a degree of precision.

in the neighborhood of two hundred

Describes a number close to 200, using a more descriptive and less direct approach.

FAQs

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

You can use "several hundred" to indicate an approximate quantity within the range of a few hundred. For instance, "Several hundred people attended the conference".

What is a good alternative to "several hundred"?

Alternatives include "hundreds of", "a few hundred", or a more specific approximation like "approximately three hundred" depending on the level of precision required.

Is it appropriate to use "several hundred" in formal writing?

Yes, "several hundred" is suitable for formal writing when an exact number is not known or necessary. It provides a reasonable estimate without claiming precise accuracy.

What's the difference between "several hundred" and "hundreds of"?

"Several hundred" implies a more specific, though still approximate, quantity within the hundreds range. "Hundreds of" is a more general term indicating a large but unspecified number in the hundreds.