Severall vs. Several — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on March 26, 2024
"Severall" is an incorrect spelling; the correct spelling is "Several," which means more than a few but not many.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Severall or Several
How to spell Several?
Severall
Incorrect Spelling
Several
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
"Several" has one 'l', unlike "severall."
Think of "seven" but with an 'al' ending, not an 'all' ending.
Remember: less is more. "Several" is shorter.
Envision the word "severe" which doesn't have double 'l's.
Use mnemonic: "Several seals" to remember the right spelling.
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How Do You Spell Several Correctly?
Incorrect: There are severall reasons for my decision.
Correct: There are several reasons for my decision.
Incorrect: Severall people were waiting in line.
Correct: Several people were waiting in line.
Incorrect: I've told you severall times already.
Correct: I've told you several times already.
Incorrect: They brought severall gifts to the party.
Correct: They brought several gifts to the party.
Incorrect: He made severall attempts before succeeding.
Correct: He made several attempts before succeeding.
Several Definitions
Relating to a number more than a few but not many.
Several students raised their hands.
An unspecified but small number.
He visited several times.
Distinct from others; different.
There are several reasons for the delay.
Being more than two but fewer than many in number.
Several books were missing from the shelf.
Separate or respective; individual.
They went their several ways after the meeting.
Being of a number more than two or three but not many
Several miles away.
Respectively different; various
They parted and went their several ways.
(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.
(Archaic) Single; distinct
"Pshaw! said I, with an air of carelessness, three several times" (Laurence Sterne).
(obsolete) Separate, distinct; particular.
A number of different; various.
(law) Separable, capable of being treated separately.
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.
By itself; severally.
(obsolete) An area of land in private ownership (as opposed to common land).
Each particular taken singly; an item; a detail; an individual. en
(archaic) An enclosed or separate place; enclosure. en
(archaic) A woman's loose outer garment, capable of being worn as a shawl, or in other forms.
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.
Diverse; different; various.
Habits and faculties, several, and to be distinguished.
Four several armies to the field are led.
Consisting of a number more than two, but not very many; divers; sundry; as, several persons were present when the event took place.
Each particular taken singly; an item; a detail; an individual.
There was not time enough to hear . . . The severals.
Persons oe objects, more than two, but not very many.
Several of them neither rose from any conspicuous family, nor left any behind them.
An inclosed or separate place; inclosure.
They had their several for heathen nations, their several for the people of their own nation.
Considered individually;
The respective club members
Specialists in their several fields
The various reports all agreed
Distinct and individual;
Three several times
(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
Several Meaning in a Sentence
My friend has several hobbies.
He found several errors in the report.
Several people volunteered to help with the project.
She visited several countries last year.
There were several items on sale.
The teacher gave us several books to read over the summer.
We saw several movies over the weekend.
I have several ideas for the science fair.
The game was postponed due to several reasons.
He made several attempts to fix the computer.
Several birds were singing in the morning.
We waited for several hours.
Several students were absent today.
She received several messages on her phone.
They planted several trees in their backyard.
She baked several types of cookies for the bake sale.
The artist displayed several pieces at the gallery.
We need several more chairs for the guests.
I've read that book several times.
She made several new friends at camp.
Common Curiosities
Which vowel is used before Several?
The specific vowel used before "several" depends on context, but often it's "a" as in "a several."
What is the pronunciation of Several?
/sɛvərəl/
Why is it called Several?
Several comes from the Medieval Latin word "separalis," meaning separate. It evolved to mean "more than a few."
What is the singular form of Several?
Several doesn't have a singular form, as it denotes plurality.
What is the verb form of Several?
Several is not a verb; thus, it doesn't have a verb form.
What is the plural form of Several?
Several is already plural in meaning; it doesn't have a different plural form.
What is the root word of Several?
The root word is "separate."
Which preposition is used with Several?
Various prepositions can be used depending on the context. Commonly used: "of" as in "several of the students."
Which conjunction is used with Several?
Any conjunction can be used, depending on the sentence.
Which article is used with Several?
No article is typically used directly before "several." However, if needed, "a" can be used as in "a several days ago," but this usage is less common.
What is the first form of Several?
Several doesn't have verb forms. Its standard form is "several."
Is Several a noun or adjective?
Several is an adjective.
Is Several an abstract noun?
No, Several is not an abstract noun.
Is Several a vowel or consonant?
Several is a word, not a single letter. It consists of both vowels and consonants.
Is Several a collective noun?
No, Several is not a collective noun.
Is the Several term a metaphor?
No, Several is not used as a metaphor.
What part of speech is Several?
Adjective.
Is Several an adverb?
No, Several is not an adverb.
Is Several a countable noun?
No, Several is an adjective, not a noun.
Is the word Several is imperative?
No, Several is not imperative.
Is the word “Several” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
Several is an adjective and not typically used as a direct or indirect object.
How many syllables are in Several?
Three.
What is the second form of Several?
Not applicable, as Several is an adjective.
How is Several used in a sentence?
Several students attended the workshop.
Is Several a negative or positive word?
Several is neutral; it isn't inherently negative or positive.
What is a stressed syllable in Several?
The first syllable "Sev" is stressed.
What is another term for Several?
A few, multiple.
What is the opposite of Several?
Few or none.
What is the third form of Several?
Not applicable, as Several is an adjective.
Is the word Several is Gerund?
No, Several is not a gerund.
How do we divide Several into syllables?
Sev-er-al.
Which determiner is used with Several?
Several itself can act as a determiner.
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Written 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.
