several kids

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several kids" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a number of children, typically more than two but not many, in various contexts such as discussions about activities, events, or observations involving children. Example: "At the park, I saw several kids playing soccer together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Several kids pumped their fists triumphantly.

The New Yorker

Behind him, several kids were stuffed in the car.

The New York Times - Travel

Midway through the tournament, several kids had already fainted in the heat.

The New Yorker

Several kids can do it together if you buy extra battery packs from an electronics shop.

The Guardian - Tech

Last night I saw several kids I've known since sixth grade".

The New York Times

Several kids she knew from the Jungle had walked out of the juvenile centers.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Mr. Shimron has placed a big sign in his window offering lessons for children in building a computer, one of several kid services he's added in the last year.

The New York Times

Mutations in the GJB2 gene coding for connexin 26, a component of gap junctions in epithelial cells, have been observed in several KID patients.

Ophthalmology

Several kid-friendly attractions are open on Thanksgiving Day, including the Central Park Zoo.

Huffington Post

Several kid-friendly overlooks offer spectacular views of the Great Lakes and will make lasting family memories.

Huffington Post

Home to 11,000 green sea turtles, this world-class research and educational facility offers several kid-friendly activities.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene or situation involving children, use "several kids" to indicate a small, unspecified number, typically more than two but less than many. It adds a touch of informality and relatability to your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on vague quantifiers like "several kids" if precision is needed. In scenarios where knowing the exact number of children is important, specify the number or use a more precise term such as "three children" or "a small group of children".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several kids" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. For example, "Several kids played on computers in the offices."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "several kids" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a small group of children. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While it's suitable for general and news contexts, more formal or precise language may be preferred in academic or professional settings. Alternative phrases like "a few children" or "a number of children" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few children

Replaces "several" with "a few", offering a slightly less specific quantity.

some children

Substitutes "several" with "some", indicating an indefinite quantity of children.

a number of kids

Replaces "several" with "a number of", providing a more formal tone.

multiple children

Replaces "several" with "multiple", offering a more formal and precise alternative.

quite a few kids

Adds emphasis with "quite a few", suggesting a slightly larger quantity than "several".

a handful of children

Substitutes "several" with "a handful of", implying a small and manageable group.

a group of kids

Replaces "several" with "a group of", emphasizing the collective aspect.

numerous kids

Replaces "several" with "numerous", suggesting more than just a few, implying a greater quantity.

various kids

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

a couple of children

Replaces "several" with "a couple of", specifying a smaller quantity, usually two.

FAQs

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

You can use "several kids" to describe a small group of children. For example, "I saw "several kids" playing in the park".

What's a more formal way to say "several kids"?

To sound more formal, you could say "a number of children" or "multiple children" instead of "several kids".

What can I say instead of "several kids" to indicate a smaller number?

If you want to indicate a smaller number, you could say "a few children" or "a couple of children".

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "several kids"?

The phrase "several kids" is generally acceptable in informal contexts. However, in formal writing, consider using more precise language like "a number of children" if the specific quantity is not important, or state the exact number if it is.