several kilometers

USAGE SUMMARY

"several kilometers" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a distance that is greater than a few kilometers, but not an exact number. For example: "We drove several kilometers before we arrived at our destination."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A boat was rammed several kilometers out at sea.

The New York Times

Several kilometers north of Ludiya lies the town of Khavda.

The New York Times - Arts

The sprawling Pathankot air force base is spread over several kilometers (miles), including some forested sections.

The Guardian

As the pipeline gets as long as several kilometers, the predicted hazard distance will be constant.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

Under scenarios (i) and (iv), the salinized area expands several kilometers further inland during several years.

Journal of Contaminant Hydrology

In northern waters, large shoals several kilometers long sometimes hamper fishing by clogging nets.

University of California, Berkeley

The smell of guano and grunts of elephant seals announced this land from several kilometers away.

Princeton University

Fault damage was found to occur across a several kilometers wide zone.

Journal of Structural Geology

This groundwater effect may be especially pronounced at smaller, more local scales over several kilometers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The highest profile American presence was its mission to NATO, several kilometers outside of town.

The New York Times

Locals say the plane exploded in mid-air, and debris and bodies are scattered across an area several kilometers wide.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "several kilometers" when you want to indicate a distance that is more than a few kilometers but without being precise. It's suitable when the exact distance isn't critical to the context.

Common error

Avoid using "several kilometers" when you have precise measurements available. If the exact distance is known (e.g., 7 kilometers), stating the specific number adds clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several kilometers" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the extent or range of a noun. It indicates a distance that is more than a few kilometers but not precisely defined, as indicated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

34%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "several kilometers" is a versatile expression used to indicate a distance that is more than just a few kilometers but not defined with precision. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed across various fields like science, news, and academia. When precision is not critical, "several kilometers" serves as an efficient way to communicate scale or magnitude. However, avoid using it if the exact distance is known, as specific measurements enhance clarity. Alternatives like "a few kilometers" or "multiple kilometers" can be employed for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

multiple kilometers

Emphasizes that the distance involves more than one kilometer.

several miles

Expresses distance in miles instead of kilometers, while maintaining the sense of 'several'.

a few kilometers

Implies a shorter distance, closer to a minimum range.

many kilometers

Suggests a longer, less specific distance.

a number of kilometers

More formal and less common than "several kilometers".

a few miles

Expresses distance in a different unit of measurement, but conveys a similar magnitude.

within a radius of several kilometers

Specifies the area within which the distance applies.

a considerable distance

Focuses on the perceived length or impact of the distance, rather than a precise measurement.

a significant distance

Similar to "a considerable distance", highlighting the importance of the span.

a long way

A more general and less precise way to describe a substantial distance.

FAQs

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

You can use "several kilometers" to describe a distance that is more than a few kilometers but not precisely defined. For instance, "The town is located several kilometers from the coast" or "The search area spanned several kilometers".

What's the difference between "several kilometers" and "a few kilometers"?

"A few kilometers" implies a shorter distance, generally less than five kilometers. "Several kilometers" suggests a greater distance, typically more than a few, but without specifying an exact number. Therefore, "several kilometers" suggests longer distance.

What are some alternatives to using "several kilometers"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a few kilometers", "multiple kilometers", "a considerable distance", or "a long way".

Is it more appropriate to say "several kilometers" or "several miles"?

The choice between "several kilometers" and "several miles" depends on the geographical context and the unit of measurement commonly used in that region. Kilometers are used in most countries around the world, while miles are primarily used in the United States and the United Kingdom.