several individuals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several individuals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a group of more than two people, often in a formal or academic context. Example: "Several individuals participated in the study, providing valuable insights into the research topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Several individuals prompted the actions against Paragallo.

The New York Times

Several individuals also donated more than $25,000.

The New York Times

"The IC has identified several individuals responsible for the attacks.

The Guardian

Script: Written by several individuals in informal cursive scripts.

Yale University

Complex solutions combine several individuals in the population.

Fuzzy Sets and Systems

Typewriting machines were invented simultaneously in England and in America by several individuals in these countries.

The New Yorker

Over the weekend, several individuals challenged the executive order in federal court.

The New Yorker

Other religious and advocacy groups were also plaintiffs, along with several individuals.

The New York Times

Several individuals may play various roles in the decision-making process.

Britannica

The study was recently terminated and reported immune-related adverse effects in several individuals.

Nature

The CIA shared intelligence that enabled Pakistan to arrest several individuals connected with the attacks.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "several individuals" when a formal or neutral tone is desired, especially in academic, legal, or professional contexts. It adds a layer of specificity compared to simpler terms like "some people".

Common error

Avoid using "several individuals" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound stilted or pretentious. Opt for more natural alternatives like "some people" or "a few people" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several individuals" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. This phrase indicates a non-specific quantity of people, more than a few but not a large crowd. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

32%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "several individuals" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to denote a group of people. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's common in news, science, and academic writing, maintaining a neutral to formal tone. While versatile, remember to avoid using it in overly casual contexts where simpler alternatives like "some people" might be more appropriate. When precision and a degree of formality are needed, "several individuals" provides a reliable and well-understood option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a number of people

Uses simpler language, replacing "several" with "a number" and "individuals" with "people".

multiple persons

Replaces "individuals" with the more formal term "persons".

various people

Substitutes "several" with "various", indicating diversity within the group.

certain individuals

Like "certain persons", it indicates specific individuals who may not be named.

a few individuals

Indicates a smaller group than "several individuals".

numerous people

Implies a larger group than "several individuals".

certain persons

Indicates specific, but unnamed, people.

some people

A more general and less formal way to refer to a group of people.

a group of people

More explicitly identifies the people as a group.

a handful of people

Implies a small, select group of people.

FAQs

How do I use "several individuals" in a sentence?

Use "several individuals" to refer to a group of people, usually in a formal or neutral setting. For example, "Several individuals participated in the study."

What can I say instead of "several individuals"?

You can use alternatives like "a number of people", "multiple persons", or "various people" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "several individual"?

No, the correct phrasing is "several individuals". The word "individuals" should be plural because "several" implies more than one.

When is it appropriate to use "several individuals" versus "some people"?

"Several individuals" is more formal and precise, suitable for academic or professional contexts. "Some people" is more casual and general, appropriate for informal settings.