several students

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "several students" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to refer to a specific but unspecified number of students, usually more than three but less than many. Example: Several students were awarded scholarships for their outstanding academic achievements.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Several students agreed.

The New York Times - Sports

Several students stopped and watched.

The New York Times - Sports

Several students had lost legs.

The New York Times

Several students stared blankly.

The New York Times - Books

Several students disagreed.

The Guardian

Several students had to be physically separated.

The New York Times

Several students turn on flashlights.

The New York Times

Several students echoed that opinion.

The New York Times

"The youth," several students said.

The New Yorker

Several students rolled their eyes.

The Washington Post

Soon several students stage a "riot".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "several students", ensure the context makes it clear that you are referring to a specific but not precisely defined group. For example, "Several students volunteered for the project, indicating a strong interest in the topic".

Common error

While "several" is generally acceptable, in highly formal or academic writing, consider using more precise quantifiers like "a number of", "multiple", or providing the exact number if known, to avoid ambiguity and enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several students" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It specifies an indefinite but limited quantity of students. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is frequently used in various contexts to refer to a group of learners.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "several students" is a versatile and common way to refer to an unspecified number of students, as validated by Ludwig. It's grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific writing. When aiming for precision or heightened formality, consider alternatives like "a number of students" or specific numerical quantities. Ludwig AI highlights the phrase's consistent usage across authoritative sources, making it a reliable choice for general communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a number of students

Replaces "several" with "a number", offering a slightly more formal tone.

multiple students

A more formal and emphatic way to express that there are more than one student.

various students

Emphasizes the diversity among the students.

some students

A more general term that indicates an indefinite quantity of students.

a few students

Implies a smaller quantity of students than "several".

a group of students

Highlights the collective aspect of the students.

a handful of students

Suggests a small, manageable number of students.

certain students

Indicates that specific, but unnamed, students are being referred to.

numerous students

A more formal synonym for "many students", suggesting a substantial quantity.

many students

Denotes a larger, less precise quantity than "several".

FAQs

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

You can use "several students" to indicate an indefinite quantity of students, usually more than a few but less than many. For instance, "Several students participated in the science fair".

What's a more formal alternative to "several students"?

Alternatives like "a number of students" or "multiple students" can provide a more formal tone depending on the context.

Is it more accurate to say "several students" or "many students"?

The choice depends on the context. "Several" implies a smaller, more specific group than "many". If the exact number is unknown but relatively small, "several students" is more appropriate. For a larger, less defined group, "many students" is better.

When should I avoid using "several students"?

Avoid using "several students" if you know the exact number of students. In such cases, state the specific number for clarity. Also, in very formal contexts, consider alternatives like "a number of students".