various individuals

USAGE SUMMARY

"various individuals" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a group of people that does not have a single, unified identity. For example, "The project was undertaken by various individuals with different levels of experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Various individuals associated with the company spoke to the women.

The New Yorker

Mr. Worner mentioned various individuals who used the machine.

The New Yorker

1902; various individuals - accounts for lessons (relates to music).

Cornell University

Plaintiffs sued pretty much everyone: the city, MNN, various individuals.

Stanford University

Through the moving group various individuals rose vertically, slowly, like dancers in an experimental contemporary ballet.

The Guardian

DH Lawrence famously described various individuals associated with the group as "little swarming selves".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Although various individuals were at fault, a systematic failure allowed it to happen," a report, published in February, said.

The New York Times

In between sparring with each other, each actor took the time to retweet support from various individuals and news outlets.

The Guardian - Film

Various individuals from other organisations signed it, including Ayman Zawahiri, then the head of Egyptian Islamic Jihad (EIJ).

The Guardian - Opinion

The store will also host parties, designer pop-up shops and art shows, curated by various individuals.

The New York Times

Various individuals -- workers of all kinds, delivery people, a nun -- enter and exit, usually more than once.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "various individuals" when you want to indicate that several people are involved, but their specific identities or roles are not important or known. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "various individuals" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Consider more specific alternatives like "multiple stakeholders" or "several experts" to provide clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "various individuals" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a plural noun. It serves to indicate that the discussion involves multiple, unspecified persons. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

18%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "various individuals" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to denote multiple people without specifying their names. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. Its prevalence across news media, academic texts, and scientific articles underscores its versatility. While generally neutral in tone, it's advisable to consider more specific alternatives in highly formal contexts for increased precision. The phrase serves the purpose of referring to unspecified individuals and is useful when identities are unknown or unimportant. Always consider your audience and context when choosing between "various individuals" and its many alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

multiple persons

Focuses on the numerical aspect of more than one person.

several people

Indicates a quantity of people, implying more than a few but not a large crowd.

a number of individuals

A more formal way to indicate a quantity of people.

different people

Highlights the diversity among the people involved.

assorted persons

Emphasizes the varied nature or types of people.

sundry individuals

A somewhat archaic but still valid way of saying 'various'.

diverse group of people

Emphasizes the heterogeneous nature of the group.

a range of individuals

Implies a spectrum of different kinds of people.

certain parties

More formal and can imply a degree of confidentiality.

some people

A less specific way to refer to a few individuals.

FAQs

How can I use "various individuals" in a sentence?

You can use "various individuals" to refer to a group of unspecified people, as in "The study involved "several people" and aimed to gather diverse perspectives."

What is a more formal alternative to "various individuals"?

In more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "multiple parties" or "a number of individuals" to maintain a professional tone.

Is there a difference between "various individuals" and "different people"?

While similar, "various individuals" emphasizes the existence of multiple people, whereas "different people" highlights the diversity or distinct characteristics among them.

When should I avoid using the phrase "various individuals"?

Avoid using "various individuals" if you can identify and specify the individuals involved. Being specific enhances clarity and provides more precise information.