several people

USAGE SUMMARY

"several people" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it any time you want to describe a group of more than two people. For example: "Several people attended the meeting yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Several people?

The New Yorker

"Yes," several people answered.

The New York Times

Several people yawned.

The Guardian

Writer talks to several people.

The New Yorker

Several people were missing limbs.

The New York Times

Several people clapped their hands.

The New York Times

"Burn" focuses on several people.

The New York Times

But several people called 911.

The New York Times

Several people were reported killed.

The New York Times

Several people looked at us.

The New Yorker

Several people simply walked away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the context provides clarity about the specific individuals referred to as "several people".

Common error

In highly formal or academic writing, consider using more precise language to specify the number or type of individuals involved, instead of the generic phrase "several people".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several people" functions as a determiner + noun, indicating an unspecified number of individuals. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used across various contexts. The examples in Ludwig show its use in describing actions, states, or conditions involving a group of individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "several people" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that describes an unspecified number of individuals, greater than a few. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and wide acceptance. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, this phrase serves to quantify a group without being precise. While suitable for most contexts, be mindful of formality and consider alternatives like "a number of people" or "multiple individuals" in professional or academic writing. Avoiding overuse, especially in contexts demanding precision, is a key practice to ensure clarity. The frequent examples across reputable sources underscore its widespread and correct application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite a few people

Similar in meaning but places greater emphasis on the larger size of the group.

a number of people

Similar in meaning, but slightly more formal than "several people".

a small group of people

Explicitly defines the collection as a group and emphasizes its size.

a few individuals

Emphasizes a smaller quantity compared to "several people".

multiple individuals

A more formal way of saying "several people", emphasizing more than one person.

various individuals

Highlights the diversity within the group.

some persons

More formal and less common than "several people".

a handful of people

Implies a small and easily manageable number of individuals.

certain individuals

Suggests that the people in question have specific attributes.

a couple of people

Indicates a smaller group, typically two individuals.

FAQs

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

You can use "several people" to describe a group consisting of more than two individuals, for example: "Several people attended the conference."

What's a more formal alternative to "several people"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "a number of people" or "multiple individuals" for a more sophisticated tone.

Is "several people" the same as "many people"?

While similar, "several people" suggests a smaller quantity than "many people". Use "several" when the number is limited but more than a few.

Can I use "several people" in academic writing?

Yes, but be mindful of the context. In cases where precision is crucial, specifying the exact number or category of people involved can be more effective than using the general term "several people".