several of them

USAGE SUMMARY

"several of them" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a specific number of people or things within a larger group. It can be used in various contexts, including formal and informal writing. Example: "Several of them had been to the concert before and knew all the songs by heart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Several of them.

The New York Times - Travel

"Look!" several of them cried.

The New Yorker

Writer enumerates several of them.

The New Yorker

Several of them, actually.

The New York Times

Probably several of them.

The New Yorker

Several of them died.

The Guardian - Opinion

Several of them are university students.

The New York Times

Several of them said they were baffled.

The New York Times

I spent weeks testing several of them.

The New York Times

She nearly married several of them.

The New York Times

Several of them, including Avvakum, were executed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "several of them" when you want to indicate a specific, limited number of items or people within a larger group, suggesting more than a few but less than many.

Common error

In formal contexts, avoid overusing "several of them". Opt for more precise language, specifying the exact number if known, or use alternatives like "a number of" or "a few" depending on the context to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several of them" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying a limited quantity within a larger group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common construction, indicating more than a few but fewer than many.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

9%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "several of them" is a versatile phrase used to denote a limited quantity within a larger group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its frequent appearance in news and media highlights its neutrality and broad applicability. While alternatives like "a few of them" or "a number of them" may be suitable depending on context, "several of them" remains a common and effective way to express quantity without specifying an exact number. Remember to use it judiciously in formal writing, opting for more precise language when available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few of them

Indicates a small quantity, similar to "several", but can imply an even smaller number.

some of them

A more general term, indicating an unspecified number, which could be more or less than "several".

a number of them

More formal, suggesting a definite but unspecified quantity.

quite a few of them

Emphasizes that the number is noticeable or significant.

many of them

Indicates a large quantity, more than "several".

numerous of them

A more formal synonym for "many", implying a considerable quantity.

various of them

Highlights the diversity within the group, in addition to the quantity.

a couple of them

Specifies a smaller quantity, typically two.

certain of them

Implies that specific individuals or items are being referred to.

a proportion of them

Expresses quantity in terms of a ratio or percentage.

FAQs

How can I use "several of them" in a sentence?

"Several of them" can be used to refer to a limited number of people or things from a larger group. For example, "I invited ten friends, but "several of them" couldn't make it".

What are some alternatives to "several of them"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a few of them", "some of them", or "a number of them".

Is it more appropriate to use "several of them" or "many of them"?

The choice between "several of them" and "many of them" depends on the quantity you want to express. "Several" indicates a smaller, limited number, while "many of them" implies a larger quantity.

Can "several of them" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "several of them" is acceptable in formal writing, but using more precise language might be preferable. For instance, "a number of them" or specifying the exact quantity can enhance clarity.