several specimens

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several specimens" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple examples or instances of something, often in a scientific or research context. Example: "The researchers collected several specimens of the plant for their study on biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His colleagues collected several specimens from a shallow lagoon, though he would not say precisely where.

The New Yorker

"Of course," he said, unlocking a case and pulling out several specimens.

The New Yorker

Several specimens of a species called, simply, spot, for the marking behind their gills.

The New Yorker

There are several specimens of dinosaur that have been on the wrong end of some major bites by rexy.

The Guardian

Writer looked at several specimens: a brown shrimp, an American lobster, a South African rock lobster, a male blue crab, a king crab.

The New Yorker

Several specimens from Argentina were rushed to Lipkin's laboratory, at Columbia University, and the first analysis was carried out over the July 4th weekend.

The New Yorker

Works manufactured on artists' specifications in editions of several specimens did brilliantly, even though they are repeatable.

The New York Times - Arts

Beginning in the 1990s, several specimens of small theropod dinosaurs from the Early Cretaceous of Liaoning province, China, were unearthed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But then, on September 21 , 1998 a gentleman from Allentown, Pennsylvania, deposited several specimens of a mystery insect in the office of Karen Bernhard, an entomologist who works at Pennsylvania State University's Extension Service.

The New Yorker

In the pillowcases were crooked-spur, clamshell, butterfly, brown, night, rigid, twisted, and shiny-leaf orchids, and several specimens of the much admired, highly prized, rare white-flowered species Polyrrhiza lindenii the ghost.

The New Yorker

In the new research, the scientists worked with Zhonghe Zhou of the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology in Beijing, conducting similar bone examinations on several specimens found recently in China of feathered dinosaur species.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "several specimens" in scientific writing, be specific about the type of specimens and the context in which they were collected to provide clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "several specimens" without providing any context or detail about what the specimens are. Always specify the type of specimen to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several specimens" functions as a quantifier followed by a noun. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to indicate an unspecified number of examples or samples, often in a scientific or formal context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "several specimens" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term, particularly within scientific and academic domains, according to Ludwig AI. It serves to denote multiple examples of something, usually in a formal context. While alternatives like "multiple samples" or "various examples" exist, "several specimens" maintains a level of specificity often required in scientific writing. Remember to provide context when using this phrase to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

multiple samples

This alternative is more general and can be used in various contexts, not limited to scientific or museum settings.

a number of samples

This alternative maintains a similar level of formality and specificity.

various examples

This alternative is broader and emphasizes the diversity among the items.

a few examples

This alternative indicates a smaller quantity than "several", suggesting a limited selection.

select samples

This alternative implies that the specimens have been chosen for a particular reason.

numerous items

This alternative can be used when the specimens are not necessarily scientific but are still distinct objects.

certain examples

This alternative highlights that the examples are specified and not random ones.

diverse collection

This alternative emphasizes the variety within the group of specimens.

assorted items

This alternative suggests a mixed and varied selection of specimens.

observed instances

This alternative emphasizes the act of observation and documentation of the specimens.

FAQs

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

You can use "several specimens" to refer to multiple examples of something, especially in scientific or research contexts. For example, "The researchers collected several specimens of the plant for their study."

What are some alternatives to "several specimens"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "multiple samples", "various examples", or "a number of samples".

Is it appropriate to use "several specimens" in formal writing?

Yes, "several specimens" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in scientific, academic, or museum contexts. It indicates a specific, though unspecified, quantity of items.

What distinguishes "several specimens" from "a few specimens"?

"Several" implies a larger quantity than "a few". While both indicate more than one, "several" suggests a notable number, whereas "a few specimens" suggests a smaller, more limited selection.