Definitions
- Referring to a small number of things or people that are more than two but not many. - Describing a specific and limited quantity of items or individuals. - Talking about a group of things or people that are distinct and separate from others.
- Referring to an unspecified or indeterminate number of things or people. - Describing a small amount or quantity of something. - Talking about a group of things or people that are not necessarily distinct or separate from others.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to a quantity that is not specified precisely.
- 2Both can be used as determiners or adjectives.
- 3Both can be used in positive or negative sentences.
- 4Both can be used with countable and uncountable nouns.
- 5Both are common in everyday language.
What is the difference?
- 1Specificity: Several refers to a specific and limited number, while some is more general and indeterminate.
- 2Quantity: Several implies a larger number than some.
- 3Distinction: Several implies a clear separation or distinction between the items or people being referred to, while some does not necessarily imply such a distinction.
- 4Formality: Several is more formal than some.
- 5Usage: Several is typically used with countable nouns, while some can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns.
Remember this!
Several and some are both words used to refer to an unspecified quantity of things or people. However, several is more specific and implies a limited number of distinct and separate items or individuals, while some is more general and can refer to any amount or quantity, without necessarily implying a clear distinction between them.
