several of these

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several of these" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when referring to a specific number or group of things within a larger set. Example: "There were many different types of flowers in the garden, but several of these were my favorites."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Several of these fall flat.

The New York Times

Several of these, aptly enough, involve flight.

The New York Times - Books

Several of these meetings were crucial.

Independent

I attended several of these.

The New Yorker

Several of these also tackled spoken theater.

The New York Times - Arts

Several of these tales are fun enough.

The New York Times - Books

Several of these were actually written there.

The New York Times

Several of these photographs are showing here.

The New York Times

Several of these lessons are good.

The New York Times - Arts

Several of these people were on fire.

The New York Times

But several of these are currently out of service".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "several of these" to refer to a specific subset of items previously mentioned, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "several of these" when the specific items being referred to are not clear or have not been properly introduced. Always provide context to ensure readers understand what "these" refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several of these" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying a quantity of items previously mentioned or implied in the context. It identifies a subset from a larger group. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "several of these" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a limited quantity from a previously mentioned set. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts. It's a common phrase found in News & Media and Science, conveying a neutral tone appropriate for diverse writing scenarios. When using "several of these", ensure the reference is clear and that the quantity implied aligns with the context. For variations, alternatives like ""a number of these"" or ""some of these"" can provide subtle shifts in meaning. This comprehensive analysis provides writers with a deeper understanding of how to effectively use "several of these" in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a number of these

Replaces "several" with "a number", indicating a similar unspecified quantity but slightly more formal.

quite a few of these

Emphasizes that the quantity is noteworthy without being overwhelming.

some of these

A more general alternative, "some" implies an unspecified quantity, potentially less precise than "several".

certain of these

Highlights specific items from the group, carrying a sense of intentional selection.

many of these

"Many" suggests a larger quantity than "several", indicating a more significant portion of the whole.

numerous of these

Like "many", this denotes a large quantity, possibly more than "several" suggests.

a few of these

"A few" implies a smaller quantity compared to "several", suggesting a limited selection.

various of these

"Various" emphasizes the diversity within the group, rather than just the quantity.

a couple of these

Implies a much smaller quantity, specifically two, contrasting with the vaguer "several".

a proportion of these

Focuses on the ratio rather than the absolute number, suitable when the overall size matters.

FAQs

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

Use "several of these" to refer back to a specific group of items or concepts already mentioned in your text. For example, "I tried many recipes, and "several of these" turned out exceptionally well."

What are some alternatives to "several of these"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a number of these", "some of these", or "many of these". Each carries a slightly different connotation regarding quantity.

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

"Several of these" implies a smaller quantity than "many of these". Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the proportion you're describing. "Several" is more appropriate when referring to a moderate number, while "many" suits larger quantities.

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

Yes, "several of these" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, consider more precise language if the exact number is known and relevant. For example, use "three of these" instead of ""several of these"" if you know the exact count.