some pupils

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "some pupils" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a subset of students or learners in an educational context. Example: "Some pupils in the class excelled in mathematics while others struggled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some pupils were anxious, too.

The Guardian

Now some pupils are moving in.

The Times

Some pupils speak little English, or have limited academic proficiency.

The Economist

Some pupils are taught by parents; others by professional teachers.

The New York Times

In Wales just two schools select some pupils by ability.

The Economist

"I have asked some pupils why they drink energy drinks.

The Guardian

Some pupils exhibited fear, physical suffering and behavioural problems.

The Times

Clegg accepts that some pupils won't take the new exam.

The Guardian

Making comparisons with others can be demotivating for some pupils.

The Guardian

But some pupils were unable to attend their neighborhood schools.

The New York Times

Some pupils have screens around their desks to reduce external stimuli.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "some pupils", ensure the context clearly indicates which specific group of students you are referring to, especially if precision is needed. For broader references, consider alternatives like "a few students".

Common error

Avoid using "some pupils" when you mean to refer to a majority or all of the students. Using "some" inaccurately can mislead the reader about the proportion of students being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "some pupils" typically functions as a determiner and noun, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it is used to denote an unspecified, limited quantity of students or learners from a larger group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "some pupils" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to refer to a subset of students, particularly in the context of primary or secondary education. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various situations. While highly frequent in news and media, it maintains a neutral register, suitable for general discourse. For alternative expressions, consider "a few students" or "certain students" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When writing, ensure you are not overgeneralizing and that the context clearly defines the group you are referencing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few students

This alternative is a more general term indicating a small number of students.

certain students

This alternative emphasizes that the students are specifically identified or relevant to the context.

some of the class

This alternative highlights that the pupils belong to a specific class group.

several learners

This alternative uses "learners" instead of "pupils", which is a broader term and can apply to various educational settings.

a number of scholars

This alternative is more formal and suggests a higher level of academic engagement.

a portion of the students

This alternative emphasizes that the group is a part of a larger whole.

various school children

This alternative specifies that the pupils are children in a school setting.

selected trainees

This alternative implies that the pupils are undergoing specific training.

a minority of attendees

This alternative emphasizes that the pupils are a smaller group within a larger gathering.

not all students

This alternative focuses on excluding a subset of students rather than identifying them directly.

FAQs

How can I use "some pupils" in a sentence?

You can use "some pupils" to refer to a subset of students within a larger group. For example, "Some pupils excel in mathematics, while others prefer literature."

What are some alternatives to "some pupils"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a few students", "certain students", or "several learners".

Is it more formal to say "some students" rather than "some pupils"?

While both are acceptable, "students" is generally considered a more neutral and widely applicable term, whereas "pupils" often implies a younger age group or a more structured educational setting. Thus, "students" can be perceived as slightly more formal.

When is it appropriate to use "some learners" instead of "some pupils"?

"Some learners" is suitable when referring to individuals in any educational context, including professional training or self-directed study, whereas "some pupils" is typically used for those in primary or secondary school settings.