several paintings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several paintings" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to more than two but not many paintings, typically in contexts discussing art, collections, or exhibitions. Example: "The gallery displayed several paintings from the 19th century that captivated the visitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Several paintings, painted before 1959, show the absence of niobium.

Heritage Science

Melbourne city council has already painted over several paintings by street artist Lushsux, which feature people taking naked selfies.

The Guardian - Arts

The child-bride's bewitching features shine out from several paintings, including Watts' transcendent "painted parable" Love and Life.

The Guardian - Arts

In several paintings she combines 3-D elements with painted ones.

The New York Times - Arts

Several paintings toy with depth of field, the area within a painting that appears to be in the distance.

The New York Times

Several paintings are forced onto curved walls.

The New York Times - Arts

Sam did several paintings and I kept one.

Independent

Patrick admired several paintings Hemingway didn't approve of.

The New Yorker

Several paintings nod to contemporary artists — even art spaces.

The New York Times

Military camouflage patterns fill the lower part of several paintings.

The New York Times - Arts

She gave him several paintings, and their courtship started.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an art exhibition or collection, use "several paintings" to convey the scope of the display without being overly precise about the quantity.

Common error

Avoid using "several paintings" repeatedly in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a number of paintings" or "various paintings" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several paintings" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a collection of artworks. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

16%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "several paintings" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase to describe more than two but not a large number of paintings. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is appropriate in a wide range of contexts, from news reports to academic discussions. When writing, it's important to vary your language and avoid overuse by considering synonyms like "a number of paintings" or "various paintings". The phrase's register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few paintings

Indicates a smaller quantity than "several paintings".

a number of paintings

A more formal way of saying "several paintings", indicating an unspecified quantity.

various paintings

Emphasizes the diversity or variety of the paintings.

multiple paintings

Highlights the fact that there is more than one painting, without specifying the exact number.

some paintings

A more general term, less specific than "several paintings".

a selection of paintings

Suggests a curated group of paintings chosen for a specific reason.

a collection of paintings

Implies that the paintings are part of a larger set or group.

a handful of paintings

Indicates a small number of paintings, slightly more informal.

numerous paintings

Implies a large, unspecified number of paintings.

assorted paintings

Highlights the variety in the types or styles of paintings.

FAQs

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

You can use "several paintings" to describe a small collection of artwork, such as "The museum displayed "several paintings" by local artists".

What are some alternatives to "several paintings"?

Alternatives include "a few paintings", "a number of paintings", or "various paintings", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "several paintings" or "many paintings"?

"Several paintings" implies a smaller quantity than "many paintings". Use "several paintings" when you want to indicate a moderate number, and "many paintings" when the quantity is large or unspecified.

What is the difference between "a few paintings" and "several paintings"?

"A few paintings" suggests a smaller number than "several paintings". While both indicate more than two, "several paintings" implies a slightly larger quantity or a more significant selection than "a few paintings".