several lines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several lines" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to multiple lines of text, drawing attention to the quantity or number of lines involved. Example: "Please write your response in several lines to ensure clarity and detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He read several lines, then laughed appreciatively.

The New Yorker

A Pave with several lines of text.

Stanford University

The story proceeds along several lines.

The New York Times - Books

Several lines of research were pursued simultaneously.

Britannica

The administration can attack along several lines.

The New York Times

To demonstrate, he quotes several lines from "Arrow of God".

The New Yorker

Several lines already exist; new ones are urgently needed.

The New York Times

There are several lines like Annalise's: "O.K. Sure.

The New York Times

"Hide" could be a tone poem with several lines missing.

The New York Times

Several lines of evidence have led to this conclusion.

The New York Times - Science

Several lines of evidence had led him to the idea.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific number of lines, consider using a more precise quantifier like "three lines" or "five lines" instead of the more general "several lines".

Common error

Avoid using "several lines" when the exact number of lines is known or easily determined. Using precise numbers enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The code requires several lines of modification", specify the exact number of lines affected for better understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several lines" typically functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun. It indicates an indefinite quantity of lines. Ludwig shows that this phrase is commonly used to describe sections of text, code, or data, often implying a quantity greater than a few but not an overwhelming amount. The AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "several lines" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to an indefinite quantity of lines, typically more than a few. Ludwig AI confirms its accuracy and usability across diverse contexts. It is most frequently encountered in scientific and news media sources, offering a neutral register suitable for descriptions and explanations. When precision is needed, specifying the exact number of lines is preferable. While "several lines" is a useful phrase, alternatives like "a number of lines" or "multiple lines" can provide subtle differences in emphasis or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a number of lines

Replaces "several" with "a number of", slightly altering the emphasis on quantity.

multiple lines

Substitutes "several" with "multiple", providing a more formal tone.

a few lines

Uses "a few" instead of "several", indicating a smaller quantity.

various lines

Replaces "several" with "various", suggesting diversity rather than just quantity.

numerous lines

Emphasizes a large quantity by using "numerous" in place of "several".

many lines

A more general term for a large quantity of lines.

a series of lines

Suggests a sequence or progression of lines, rather than just a quantity.

a set of lines

Implies a defined group of lines.

some lines

More vague and general than "several".

certain lines

Highlights specific lines rather than a general quantity.

FAQs

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

You can use "several lines" to refer to a few lines, more than two, of text, code, or other linear arrangements. For example, "The poem contains several lines that resonate deeply with readers."

What can I say instead of "several lines"?

You can use alternatives like "a few lines", "multiple lines", or "numerous lines" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "several lines" or "a few lines"?

The choice between "several lines" and "a few lines" depends on the context and the degree of precision required. "Several lines" implies a slightly larger quantity than "a few lines", but both are relatively imprecise.

What's the difference between "several lines" and "various lines"?

"Several lines" refers to a quantity of lines, whereas "various lines" suggests that the lines are different in some way. For instance, "The code includes several lines of comments" indicates a number of comment lines, while "The document explores various lines of argument" suggests different arguments presented in the document.