several pupils

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several pupils" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a number of students, typically in an educational context. Example: "Several pupils participated in the science fair, showcasing their innovative projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Several pupils, initially unaware of what had happened, were affected after the initial incident as they walked along the corridor.

The Guardian

He went to another boarding school where there were several pupils from Orford House & he still hadn't escaped Mrs. Barker.

The New Yorker

As he lectures about honesty, several pupils look past him to the windows and begin to snicker.

The New York Times - Arts

A Boston Marathon tradition that brought Kenyan runners to a Hopkinton, Mass., elementary school had to be canceled this year when several pupils caught chicken pox.

The New York Times

Sylvia Young, who runs a stage school and has several pupils in Oliver!, said children are never paid much in the theatre.

The Guardian

Earlier in the day she cor rected students' homework, while the class began work on new lessons, and then helped several pupils who had been sick to catch up on their reading.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The centre is one of several pupil referral units run by Dorset County Council, providing alternative education for students from mainstream schools who have medical and or behaviourial issues, and those who have been or are at risk of permanent exclusion.

BBC

He has had several famous pupils, among them Kyra Nijinsky and Katharine Hepburn.

The New Yorker

"Several other pupils were taken to hospital with other superficial injuries.

Independent

Turkish schools and universities, some linked to the controversial Gulen movement, now educate several thousand pupils in Muslim regions.

The Economist

As the teenagers wake in horror, the men select several hundred pupils, round them up, drag them outside to waiting trucks and drive them off into the night.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "several pupils", ensure the context clearly indicates an educational setting. For broader contexts, consider using "students" or "learners" instead.

Common error

Avoid using "several pupils" when referring to people outside of a school or educational environment. Opt for more general terms like "people" or "individuals" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several pupils" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun. It identifies a non-specific but limited quantity of students. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "several pupils" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to an unspecified number of students in an educational context. Ludwig AI validates its use across various sources, predominantly in news and media. While alternatives like "a few students" or "some learners" exist, the best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality. Remember to reserve "several pupils" for school-related scenarios and consider broader terms for other situations. This guide provides insights into proper usage, common errors, and semantically similar alternatives to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few students

Uses "students" instead of "pupils" and "a few" instead of "several", implying a smaller number.

some learners

Replaces "pupils" with the broader term "learners" and "several" with "some", indicating an unspecified number.

a number of students

Employs a more formal tone using "a number of" in place of "several", while retaining "students".

various students

Substitutes "several" with "various", highlighting the diversity within the group of students.

multiple students

Replaces "several" with "multiple", emphasizing the existence of more than one student.

a handful of pupils

Uses "a handful of" instead of "several", implying a small and easily manageable number of pupils.

a group of students

Focuses on the collective aspect by using "a group of", changing "pupils" to "students".

numerous learners

Replaces both "several" and "pupils" with synonyms, resulting in a slightly more formal and general phrase.

certain students

Implies that a specific, though unquantified, group of students is being referred to.

some school children

Specifies the type of pupils as "school children", adding more detail about their age and context.

FAQs

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

Use "several pupils" to describe a number of students in a school or educational setting. For example, "Several pupils participated in the science fair".

What are some alternatives to "several pupils"?

Alternatives include "a few students", "some learners", or "a number of students", depending on the desired level of formality and specificity.

Is it correct to say "several students" instead of "several pupils"?

Yes, "several students" is generally acceptable and often preferred in modern English, as "students" is a broader term that encompasses learners of all ages. "Pupils" typically refers to younger students.

What's the difference between "several pupils" and "many students"?

"Several pupils" suggests a smaller, more specific group within a school setting, while "many students" implies a larger and potentially more general group of learners. The choice depends on the context and the scale you want to convey.