Several vs. Some — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 4, 2024
Several refers to a distinct, somewhat small number greater than two or three, emphasizing plurality; some is less specific, often implying an indefinite quantity or number.
Difference Between Several and Some
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Several is used when referring to more than a couple but not a large number, usually suggesting a degree of separation or countability. Whereas, some is used to refer to an unspecified amount or number, which can be small or large, and is often more vague.
Several often connotes a greater specificity in quantity, implying that the exact number, while not stated, is still not very high, typically less than ten. On the other hand, some can be used for both countable and uncountable nouns, representing an unspecified portion or quantity, which makes it less precise.
In contexts where enumeration is important, "several" is preferred to suggest a sense of 'more than two but not many,' which can be crucial in academic or formal settings. Some, however, is more flexible and can refer to any quantity, making it suitable for informal or less exact discussions.
Several can also impart a sense of variety within a group, as in "several types of items." In contrast, some might be used to suggest a part of a group or an unspecified subset, without indicating diversity.
When clarity is needed in communication, especially in written or formal speech, using "several" can help specify that a small, distinct group is being discussed. Some, meanwhile, is effective in casual or spoken language where precise numbers are not crucial.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Quantity
More than two, usually less than ten
Indefinite, unspecified amount
Specificity
Higher, suggests a specific small number
Lower, can be vague or general
Usage
Countable nouns
Both countable and uncountable nouns
Implication
Imparts a sense of plurality
Often used for an unspecified part
Formality
More formal and specific
More flexible and informal
Compare with Definitions
Several
Countable, specific units.
She faced several challenges during the project.
Some
Used to indicate an unspecified group.
Some of the applications were approved.
Several
More than two but not many.
She invited several friends to her party.
Some
A part of something.
She has eaten some of the cake.
Several
A distinct, small group.
Several of the paintings were sold.
Some
Used vaguely to suggest any amount.
Do you have some time to talk?
Several
Diverse within a limit.
They offer several flavors of ice cream.
Some
An unspecified but not large amount.
He's read some of the book.
Several
A number greater than a couple.
Several attempts were made.
Some
An unspecified amount or number.
Some people prefer coffee over tea.
Several
Being of a number more than two or three but not many
Several miles away.
Some
An unspecified amount or number of
He played some records for me
I made some money running errands
Several
Respectively different; various
They parted and went their several ways.
Some
Used to refer to someone or something that is unknown or unspecified
I was talking to some journalist the other day
He's in some kind of trouble
There must be some mistake
Several
(Law) Regarded as separate, especially with regard to tort liability or legal obligation, such that each individual involved is fully responsible for the liability or obligation.
Some
(used with a number) approximately
Some thirty different languages are spoken
Several
(Archaic) Single; distinct
"Pshaw! said I, with an air of carelessness, three several times" (Laurence Sterne).
Some
(pronounced stressing ‘some’) a considerable amount or number of
I've known you for some years now
He went to some trouble
Several
(obsolete) Separate, distinct; particular.
Some
(pronounced stressing ‘some’) at least a small amount or number of
He liked some music but generally wasn't musical
Several
A number of different; various.
Some
(pronounced stressing ‘some’) expressing admiration of something notable
That was some goal
Several
(law) Separable, capable of being treated separately.
Some
An unspecified number or amount of people or things
If you want whisky I'll give you some
Here are some of our suggestions
Several
Consisting of a number more than two but not very many.
Several cars were in the parking lot.
They had many journals. I subscribed to several.
Several of the members were absent.
Some
(pronounced stressing ‘some’) at least a small amount or number of people or things
Surely some have noticed
Several
By itself; severally.
Some
To some extent; quite a lot
He needs feeding up some
Several
(obsolete) An area of land in private ownership (as opposed to common land).
Some
Being an unspecified number or quantity
Some people came into the room. Would you like some sugar?.
Several
Each particular taken singly; an item; a detail; an individual. en
Some
Being a portion or an unspecified number or quantity of a whole or group
He likes some modern sculpture but not all.
Several
(archaic) An enclosed or separate place; enclosure. en
Some
Being a considerable number or quantity
She has been directing films for some years now.
Several
(archaic) A woman's loose outer garment, capable of being worn as a shawl, or in other forms.
Some
Unknown or unspecified by name
Some man called.
Several
Separate; distinct; particular; single.
Each several ship a victory did gain.
Each might his several province well command,Would all but stoop to what they understand.
Some
(Logic) Being part and perhaps all of a class.
Several
Diverse; different; various.
Habits and faculties, several, and to be distinguished.
Four several armies to the field are led.
Some
(Informal) Remarkable
She is some skier.
Several
Consisting of a number more than two, but not very many; divers; sundry; as, several persons were present when the event took place.
Some
Approximately; about
Some 40 people attended the rally.
Several
By itself; severally.
Every kind of thing is laid up several in barns or storehoudses.
Some
(Informal) Somewhat
Some tired.
Several
Each particular taken singly; an item; a detail; an individual.
There was not time enough to hear . . . The severals.
Some
A certain number, at least two.
Some enjoy spicy food, others prefer it milder.
Several
Persons oe objects, more than two, but not very many.
Several of them neither rose from any conspicuous family, nor left any behind them.
Some
An indefinite quantity.
Can I have some of them?
Several
An inclosed or separate place; inclosure.
They had their several for heathen nations, their several for the people of their own nation.
Some
An indefinite amount, a part.
Please give me some of the cake.
Everyone is wrong some of the time.
Several
Considered individually;
The respective club members
Specialists in their several fields
The various reports all agreed
Some
A certain proportion of, at least two.
Some people like camping.
Several
Distinct and individual;
Three several times
Some
An unspecified quantity or number of.
Would you like some grapes?
Several
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many;
Several letters came in the mail
Several people were injured in the accident
Some
An unspecified amount of (something uncountable).
Would you like some water?
After some persuasion, he finally agreed.
Some
A certain, an unspecified or unknown.
I've just met some guy who said he knew you.
The sequence S converges to zero for some initial value v.
Some
A considerable quantity or number of.
He had edited the paper for some years.
He stopped working some time ago.
Some
Approximately, about (with a number).
She had been employed at that company for some five years now.
There were only some three or four cars in the lot at the time.
Some
(informal) A remarkable.
He is some acrobat!
Some
Of a measurement: approximately, roughly.
I guess he must have weighed some 90 kilos.
Some 30,000 spectators witnessed the feat.
Some 4,000 acres of land were flooded.
Some
(dialect) To a certain extent, or for a certain period.
Some
Consisting of a greater or less portion or sum; composed of a quantity or number which is not stated; - used to express an indefinite quantity or number; as, some wine; some water; some persons. Used also pronominally; as, I have some.
Some theoretical writers allege that there was a time when there was no such thing as society.
Some
A certain; one; - indicating a person, thing, event, etc., as not known individually, or designated more specifically; as, some man, that is, some one man.
Some man praiseth his neighbor by a wicked intent.
Most gentlemen of property, at some period or other of their lives, are ambitious of representing their county in Parliament.
Some
Not much; a little; moderate; as, the censure was to some extent just.
Some
About; near; more or less; - used commonly with numerals, but formerly also with a singular substantive of time or distance; as, a village of some eighty houses; some two or three persons; some hour hence.
The number slain on the rebel's part were some two thousand.
Some
Considerable in number or quantity.
On its outer point, some miles away.The lighthouse lifts its massive masonry.
Some
Certain; those of one part or portion; - in distinction from other or others; as, some men believe one thing, and others another.
Some [seeds] fell among thorns; . . . but other fell into good ground.
Some
A part; a portion; - used pronominally, and followed sometimes by of; as, some of our provisions.
Your edicts some reclaim from sins,But most your life and blest example wins.
Some to the shores do fly,Some to the woods, or whither fear advised.
Some in his bed, some in the deep sea.
Some
Quantifier; used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity;
Have some milk
Some roses were still blooming
Having some friends over
Some apples
Some paper
We have no bananas
No eggs left and no money to buy any
Have you no decency?
Did it with no help
I'll get you there in no time
Some
Unknown or unspecified;
Some lunatic drove into my car
Some man telephoned while you were out
Some day my prince will come
Some enchanted evening
Some
Relatively many but unspecified in number;
They were here for some weeks
We did not meet again for some years
Some
Remarkable;
That was some party
She is some skier
Some
Relatively much but unspecified in amount or extent;
We talked for some time
He was still some distance away
Some
(of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct;
Lasted approximately an hour
In just about a minute
He's about 30 years old
I've had about all I can stand
We meet about once a month
Some forty people came
Weighs around a hundred pounds
Roughly $3,000
Holds 3 gallons, more or less
20 or so people were at the party
Common Curiosities
Can "several" be used for uncountable nouns?
No, "several" is used exclusively with countable nouns.
Is "several" used in legal or precise contexts?
Yes, "several" is preferred in contexts requiring more precision.
What is the difference in nuance between "several" and "some"?
"Several" often indicates a small, specific number, while "some" is more indefinite and general.
Which is more formal, "several" or "some"?
"Several" is generally more formal than "some."
Can "some" imply a large number?
Yes, "some" can imply any number, large or small, depending on context.
In what type of writing is "several" most commonly found?
"Several" is common in academic and formal writing.
Is "some" specific to countable nouns only?
No, "some" can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns.
Can I use "several" when I don't know the exact number?
Yes, "several" can be used when the exact number is unknown but is clearly more than a couple.
Does "some" always imply a small quantity?
No, "some" does not necessarily imply size; it can refer to any part of a whole.
Is "some" acceptable in formal writing?
Yes, though "some" is less specific, it is acceptable in formal writing when the exact quantity is not essential.
Does "some" have different meanings in different contexts?
Yes, "some" can mean a small part, an indefinite quantity, or even an unspecified group.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Specialization vs. Specialty
Next Comparison
Injury vs. TraumaAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
