several persons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several persons" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a group of individuals, typically in a formal or legal context. Example: "The committee was composed of several persons who had expertise in various fields."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He interviewed several persons connected with it.

The New Yorker

Writer spoke with several persons about the possibility of modifying the city ordinance.

The New Yorker

And I know several persons who might well say the same.

The New Yorker

Several persons were injured, and a policeman was hurt, though not seriously.

The Guardian

The police said detectives were questioning several "persons of interest" and a number of witnesses.

The New York Times

Several persons, including the insulted wife, tried to explain to the officer the outrageous epithet that had been used.

The New Yorker

Several persons wrote about insering salts in the cap of pipe and allow the water to come filtering through.

The New Yorker

Several persons can ride at one time, either lying prone or in a sitting position.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Federal regulations call for plants to be prepared to deal with "a determined violent external assault, attack by stealth or deceptive actions of several persons".

The New York Times

The letter arrived in Lanfranc's absence and, after being read by several persons, finally reached him at Rome.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We have not developed any suspects at this point," although, he added, investigators had several "persons of interest".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "several persons" when aiming for a formal or legal tone, such as in official reports or legal documents. In less formal contexts, consider alternatives like "several people".

Common error

Avoid using "several persons" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound stilted or unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "some people" or "a few folks".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several persons" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe groups in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "several persons" is grammatically correct and best suited for formal contexts, as validated by Ludwig. It's frequently used in scientific and news publications to neutrally refer to groups of individuals. While alternatives like "several people" exist for more casual settings, adhering to formal language standards enhances clarity and precision in professional or academic writing. The term's suitability depends largely on the intended audience and the desired level of formality, ensuring effective communication in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a number of individuals

Emphasizes individuality and countability, slightly more formal.

various people

Highlights the diversity within the group.

multiple individuals

Stresses the distinct and separate nature of each person involved.

a few individuals

Refers to a small group of people. Slightly more informal.

several people

A more common and less formal alternative.

a group of people

Focuses on the collective aspect.

certain individuals

Implies that some individuals are under consideration or suspicion.

some individuals

A less specific, more general reference to individuals.

a few people

Less formal and more colloquial.

numerous individuals

Emphasizes a large quantity of people with a formal tone.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "several persons" instead of "several people"?

"Several persons" is more appropriate in formal or legal contexts where a higher degree of precision and formality is desired. In everyday conversation, "several people" is generally preferred.

What are some synonyms for "several persons"?

Synonyms include "a number of individuals", "various people", "multiple individuals", or simply "several people".

Is "several persons" considered outdated or archaic?

While not strictly outdated, "several persons" is more formal and less commonly used in everyday language than "several people". Its use is more common in legal and official documentation.

How does the use of "several persons" affect the tone of a sentence?

Using "several persons" lends a more formal and serious tone to a sentence compared to using "several people", which is more casual and conversational.