several items

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several items" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an unspecified number of items that is more than two but not many. Example: "The store has several items on sale this week, including clothing and electronics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He excavated several items from his bag.

The New Yorker

Several items can be lighted using one projector.

The New York Times

Several items designated as crafts would fit easily under sculpture.

The New York Times

Penn bid on several items when the auction stalled.

The Guardian - Music

Several items by the main entrance were location-specific mementos.

The New York Times

Several items were sold on Craigslist and other Web sites.

The New York Times - Sports

My wife recently bought several items from Foot Locker online.

The New York Times

But there were several items I won't be rushing back to buy.

The Guardian - Money

Last night several items related to Osama bin Laden were listed on the site.

The New York Times

The core inflation rate, a measure that excludes several items with volatile prices, was 1.7percentt.

The New York Times

Replace several items at a time rather than making separate trips.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "several items" when you want to indicate a quantity greater than a few, but less than many. It's a good middle-ground term that avoids being too specific.

Common error

Avoid using "several items" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "various items" or more specific descriptions for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several items" functions as a quantifier phrase, modifying a noun to indicate an unspecified number of things. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "several items" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an unspecified quantity greater than a few. It enjoys widespread usage across varied contexts, as affirmed by Ludwig. When writing, remember that while "several items" is generally acceptable, varying your phrasing with alternatives like ""a number of items"" or ""multiple items"" can improve readability. While this phrase is very common in both News & Media and Science, make sure to avoid overusing it to maintain clarity and engagement. Ludwig's analysis suggests that this phrase is neutral in tone and widely applicable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a number of items

Replaces "several" with "a number", maintaining the same general meaning but with a slightly more formal tone.

multiple items

Uses "multiple" instead of "several", indicating more than one item.

various items

Substitutes "several" with "various", emphasizing the diversity or variety of the items.

a few items

Replaces "several" with "a few", indicating a smaller quantity.

some items

Uses "some" instead of "several", providing a less specific quantity.

a range of items

Emphasizes the variety within the group of items.

a selection of items

Highlights that the items are chosen from a larger set.

a collection of items

Suggests the items are gathered together, often implying a deliberate grouping.

certain items

Indicates specific, though unspecified, items are being referred to.

numerous items

Replaces "several" with "numerous", suggesting a large quantity.

FAQs

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

You can use "several items" to refer to a number of things without specifying an exact quantity. For example, "The store offers discounts on "several items" this week."

What are some alternatives to "several items"?

Alternatives include "a few items", "multiple items", "various items", or "a number of items" depending on the desired level of formality and specificity.

Is it more appropriate to use "several items" or "many items"?

The choice between "several items" and "many items" depends on the context and the quantity you wish to convey. "Several" suggests a moderate number, while "many" implies a larger quantity.

What's the difference between "several items" and "some items"?

"Several items" implies a more definite, though unstated, quantity than "some items". "Some" can refer to a very small number or a larger, indefinite amount.