several times

USAGE SUMMARY

"several times" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that something has happened multiple times. For example, "I have reread the instructions several times, but I still don't understand what to do."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Several times.

Forbes

Several times, his d.j.j

The New Yorker

It happens several times.

The New York Times

He wept several times.

The New York Times - Arts

several times a week.

The New Yorker

"It's mentioned several times".

The New Yorker

Several times, in fact.

The New York Times - Books

It happened several times.

The New York Times - Arts

She returned several times.

The New York Times

"It was several times".

The New Yorker

Pulse several times.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "several times" to indicate a non-specific number of repetitions that is more than a few, but not excessive. It's useful when the exact number isn't important or known.

Common error

In formal or scientific writing, consider using more precise language like "on three occasions" or "repeatedly throughout the experiment" instead of "several times" to maintain clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "several times" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the frequency of an action. Ludwig shows its usage across varied contexts. For example, "She returned "several times"."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "several times" is a versatile and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to indicate that an action has occurred on more than one occasion. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms its correctness and widespread usage across contexts like news media and general writing. When using "several times", remember that it implies a moderate number of repetitions. For situations requiring more precision, consider alternatives like "on multiple occasions" or specifying the exact number. Overall, understanding the nuances of "several times" can enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

numerous times

Highlights the large number of occurrences.

on multiple occasions

Emphasizes the distinct and separate nature of each occurrence.

a number of times

Similar to "several times", but slightly more formal.

repeatedly

Focuses on the act of something being done again and again.

again and again

Stresses the persistent and consistent repetition of an action.

quite a few times

Indicates a notable number of repetitions.

on more than one occasion

A more formal and emphatic way of saying "several times".

time after time

Highlights the continuous and iterative nature of the action.

at various points

Emphasizes that the occurrences happened at different moments.

many a time

An older, somewhat literary way of saying "several times".

FAQs

How to use "several times" in a sentence?

Use "several times" to indicate that an action or event has occurred more than once. For instance, "I've reread the instructions "several times", but I still don't understand what to do."

What can I say instead of "several times"?

You can use alternatives like "on multiple occasions", "repeatedly", or "numerous times" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "several times" or "a few times"?

"Several times" implies more occurrences than "a few times". Use ""several times"" when the number of repetitions is notable and more than just a small number.

What's the difference between "several times" and "many times"?

"Many times" suggests a large number of occurrences, whereas ""several times"" implies a moderate number. The choice depends on the emphasis you want to place on the frequency of the event.