some hairs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some hairs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an unspecified quantity of hair strands, often in contexts related to grooming, animals, or biology. Example: "I found some hairs on the couch that must have come from the dog."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Habit: Occasionally some hairs glandular.

University of California, Berkeley

Still, differentiating the cities means splitting some hairs.

The New York Times

Stem: decumbent to erect, < 1 m, glabrous, to densely puberulent (some hairs longer), glaucous or not.

University of California, Berkeley

But then, in the 1990s, some hairs from Tycho were separately analyzed.

The New York Times - Science

Habit: Perennial herb, rosetted when young, forming large patches from woody caudices and rhizomes, minutely strigose (some hairs also longer).

University of California, Berkeley

So that night he brought home some hairs from a nit-infested patient and conducted an experiment at his dining room table.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

You have some hair!

The New Yorker

And he had some hair-do.

The Guardian - Film

Also, some hair loss is permanent and some is temporary.

Columbia University

Still, there were some hair-raising episodes.

The Guardian - Books

Some hair retardants have sold well.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a small, unspecified quantity of hair, use "some hairs". This is suitable for general descriptions and everyday language.

Common error

While "some hairs" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it in highly formal or scientific writing where more precise terms like "a few strands of hair" or "several hairs" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some hairs" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig, it is usable in written English. Examples include "found some hairs" or "with some hairs exceeding tip".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

27%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "some hairs" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase that functions to describe the presence of an unspecified quantity of hair. According to Ludwig, it's acceptable in written English. It's most commonly found in news media and academic settings, and its usage is generally neutral. While versatile, it's best to consider more precise language in highly formal contexts. Alternatives like "a few strands of hair" or "several hairs" might be preferred in those situations. This analysis, supported by Ludwig's examples, provides a clear understanding of how to effectively use "some hairs" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few strands of hair

Replaces "some" with "a few" and uses "strands" to specify individual hairs.

several hairs

Substitutes "some" with "several", indicating a small but indefinite number of hairs.

a number of hairs

Replaces "some" with "a number of", providing a more formal tone.

individual hairs

Focuses on hairs as distinct entities, suitable for scientific or detailed descriptions.

certain hairs

Implies that specific hairs are being referred to, rather than just any hairs.

sparse hairs

Highlights the scattered or infrequent nature of the hairs.

isolated hairs

Emphasizes the separation or lack of connection between the hairs.

residual hairs

Suggests that the hairs are left over or remaining after something else.

stray hairs

Indicates that the hairs are out of place or not part of a larger grouping.

odd hairs

Implies that the hairs are unusual or unexpected.

FAQs

How do I use "some hairs" in a sentence?

Use "some hairs" when referring to an unspecified quantity of hair strands. For example, "I found some hairs on the couch" or "The plant has some hairs on its stem".

What can I say instead of "some hairs"?

You can use alternatives like "a few strands of hair", "several hairs", or "a number of hairs" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "some hairs"?

It's appropriate to use "some hairs" in general descriptions, casual conversation, and contexts where the exact number of hairs is not important. It's also appropriate in scientific contexts when "some hairs" are being examined.

Is "some hairs" formal or informal?

"Some hairs" leans towards the informal side. In more formal writing, consider using phrases like "a number of hairs" or "several hairs" for a more professional tone.