several pieces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several pieces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple items or components of a whole, often in contexts like art, writing, or collections. Example: "The gallery displayed several pieces of contemporary art that captivated the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Several pieces celebrated energy itself.

The New York Times - Arts

Several pieces survived the distraction.

The New York Times - Arts

Several pieces are tributes to cultural heroes.

The New York Times - Arts

I had written several pieces on Rahul.

The New York Times

"He found several pieces," Mrs. Krenek said.

The New York Times

Several pieces invoke nature without specific landmarks.

The New York Times

Several pieces are notable for their ambiguities.

The New York Times

That was true of several pieces.

The New York Times - Arts

But the complaint provides several pieces of strongly suggestive evidence.

The New Yorker

Separate the dough into several pieces the size of golfballs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Youthful violence is the theme of several pieces.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "several pieces" to describe artwork or writing, consider specifying the type of piece (e.g., "several pieces of sculpture" or "several pieces of short fiction") for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "several pieces" repetitively within a narrow context. Vary your language with alternatives like "a few components", "various elements", or more specific descriptions to enhance readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several pieces" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate an indefinite quantity greater than two or three. As affirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase. Examples show it describing physical objects like art or broken items, as well as abstract concepts such as evidence or information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "several pieces" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that indicates a quantity of more than a few items or components. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and broad applicability. As demonstrated by numerous examples, it appears frequently in News & Media and Science, while maintaining a neutral to formal tone depending on the context. When using "several pieces", consider the surrounding vocabulary for clarity, and be mindful to avoid repetition. Alternatives like "a number of items" or "various elements" can add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a number of items

Uses a more general term ("items") instead of the more specific "pieces".

multiple components

Emphasizes the role of individual parts within a larger system or whole.

a collection of parts

Indicates a deliberate grouping of individual elements.

various elements

Highlights the diversity and distinct nature of the items being referenced.

some segments

Implies division or separation into distinct portions or sections.

numerous portions

Highlights a large quantity of something that has been divided.

certain portions

Implies that not all of the items are included, only some selected ones.

a few fragments

Suggests smaller, broken parts, implying incompleteness.

a quantity of fragments

Similar to “a few fragments,” but emphasizes the number of smaller pieces.

diverse constituents

Focuses on a variety of components that make up a larger whole.

FAQs

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

You can use "several pieces" to refer to multiple items or components, such as "The artist displayed several pieces of pottery" or "The mechanic found several pieces of broken glass near the car".

What are some alternatives to "several pieces"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a number of items", "multiple components", or "various elements".

Is it more formal to say "several pieces" or "many pieces"?

"Several pieces" and "many pieces" are generally interchangeable and neither is significantly more formal than the other. The choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Can "several pieces" refer to abstract things, or only physical objects?

"Several pieces" can refer to both physical objects and abstract concepts. For example, you could say "The report presented several pieces of evidence" (abstract) or "The museum displayed several pieces of ancient pottery" (physical).