several slices

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several slices" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a quantity of slices, typically of food such as bread, cake, or pizza. Example: "I would like several slices of the chocolate cake for dessert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are generated by elaborately randomizing a special type of asymmetric orthogonal arrays, called asymmetric balanced sliced orthogonal arrays, which can be partitioned into several slices such that each slice is balanced and becomes an asymmetric orthogonal array after some level-collapsing.

Journal of Statistical Planning and Inference

That afternoon I blew my bus fare and allowance on several slices.

The New York Times

Top each fillet with a rosemary branch and several slices of lemon.

The New York Times

On the northbound Henry Hudson Parkway above 165th Street, several slices are served up in quick succession.

The New York Times

I had several slices, then merrily devoured a fantastic goat cheese tart with a sweet patina of caramelized onions.

The New York Times - Food

It turned out to be an amazing collection of food - a lamb chop, several slices of cold chicken, the stuffed tomato out of salad, and some curry.

The New Yorker

One night, a pleasant baked doughnut, glistening with sugar, its hole filled with concord grape jelly, came with several slices of intense aged Gouda.

The New York Times - Food

For several slices of poundcake, pick up "I Can't Complain," essays on everything from motherhood to soap operas, from sex education to writing tips.

The New York Times - Books

An assertively piquant, creamy olive sauce added verve to exceedingly tender pulpo al olivo (octopus slices, served with several slices of fried yucca).

The New York Times

Measuring several slices from the same specimen is wise in this regard, and such a procedure is recommended regardless of age.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From a bag, she grabbed several slices of supermarket bread; out of plastic, she took several slices of square cheese that looked a lot like American cheese but had a French marketing twist: it was called Croque Monsieur cheese, for the traditional French sandwich.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a meal or dish, use "several slices" to indicate more than a few portions, but not an excessive amount. For instance, "I enjoyed several slices of pizza at the party" provides a clear picture of the quantity consumed.

Common error

While "several slices" is acceptable in most situations, consider using more precise language in formal or scientific writing. Instead of "several slices", quantify the amount with a specific number or unit (e.g., "three slices", "multiple cross-sections").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several slices" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition in a sentence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples showcase the phrase used to describe quantities of food, materials, or sections in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

37%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "several slices" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a moderate quantity of sliced items. As Ludwig AI highlights, its use is considered correct in written English. Found across varied sources from news and media to scientific journals, it serves the purpose of quantifying portions, though precise quantification may be favored in highly formal or scientific contexts. When using "several slices", avoid overuse in excessively formal scenarios and consider more specific terms if greater precision is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a number of slices

Replaces "several" with "a number", offering a slightly more formal tone while maintaining the core meaning.

multiple slices

Uses "multiple" instead of "several", emphasizing the presence of more than two slices.

a few slices

Substitutes "several" with "a few", indicating a smaller, less precise quantity of slices.

some slices

Replaces "several" with "some", providing a less specific quantity of slices.

a selection of slices

Emphasizes that the slices are part of a collection or assortment.

various slices

Highlights the diversity or variety among the slices.

a couple of slices

Indicates a smaller quantity, specifically two slices.

many slices

Uses "many" to emphasize a larger quantity of slices.

a quantity of slices

Offers a more formal and general way to refer to an unspecified amount of slices.

an assortment of slices

Suggests a varied collection of slices, differing in type or flavor.

FAQs

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

You can use "several slices" to indicate a quantity of cut portions. For example, "He ate "several slices" of bread with his soup".

What can I say instead of "several slices"?

You can use alternatives like "a number of slices", "multiple slices", or "a few slices" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "several slices" or "many slices"?

Both "several slices" and "many slices" are grammatically correct, but they imply different quantities. "Several" suggests a moderate number, while "many" indicates a larger quantity.

What's the difference between "several slices" and "some slices"?

"Several slices" implies a more specific quantity (more than two, but not a large amount), while "some slices" is more general and can refer to any amount greater than one.