several things

USAGE SUMMARY

"several things" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to a number of unspecified objects, ideas, or actions. You can use it anytime you want to indicate that there are multiple things, but do not want to specify exactly what they are. Example: "I have several things on my to-do list today, including grocery shopping, doing laundry, and calling my parents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Several things.

The Economist

Several things stand out.

The Economist

Several things stood out.

The New York Times

Several things were done.

The New York Times - Arts

That means several things.

The New York Times

Several things surprised me.

The New York Times

Several things had changed.

Cornell University

Perhaps several things.

The Guardian - Opinion

Several things emerge from this.

The Economist

They had learned several things.

The New York Times

It tells me several things.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "several things", ensure the context provides some indication of the nature of those things, even if they are not explicitly listed.

Common error

Avoid using "several things" without providing any context or follow-up explanation. Without context, it can be frustratingly vague for the reader. Provide at least a general idea of what those 'things' are.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several things" functions as a quantifier followed by a noun, indicating a number of unspecified items, aspects, or considerations. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a common and correct expression in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "several things" is a versatile phrase used to indicate multiple items or aspects without being specific. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and very common across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia, and Science. While it offers flexibility, it's essential to provide enough context to avoid vagueness. Related phrases like "various aspects" or "numerous factors" can provide similar meanings with slightly different emphasis. When writing, ensure that the use of "several things" adds clarity rather than ambiguity to your text.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

multiple items

Focuses on the distinct and countable nature of the things.

various aspects

Emphasizes the diversity of the items being referred to.

assorted items

Stresses the mixed and varied nature of the things.

numerous factors

Highlights that the 'things' are causes or elements contributing to a result.

a number of issues

Puts an emphasis on problems or points of discussion.

a few considerations

Suggests a more thoughtful and limited set of things to take into account.

different facets

Focuses on the different sides or perspectives of a subject.

certain elements

Highlights the presence of definite yet possibly unspecified components.

various points

Highlights specific ideas or arguments.

sundry matters

Indicates a collection of different and often unimportant things.

FAQs

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

You can use "several things" to introduce a list of items or reasons, for example: "Several things contributed to the project's success, including dedication and robust funding.".

What are some alternatives to "several things"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "various aspects", "numerous factors", or "multiple items".

Is it better to list items explicitly instead of using "several things"?

It depends on the situation. If the specific items are important, listing them is clearer. If the number or nature is less critical, "several things" can be a concise way to acknowledge multiple factors without detailing each one.

When is it inappropriate to use "several things"?

Avoid using "several things" when precision is required or in highly technical contexts where specific details are necessary. Overusing it can also make your writing seem lazy or imprecise.