When it comes to the word “several” or “severall,” it is important to note that only one of them is correct in standard English usage. The correct form is “several.” “Severall” is actually an archaic form that is no longer used in modern English. Let’s dive deeper into the proper usage of “several” and understand why it is the correct choice.
The word “several” is commonly used to express an indefinite, but small, number or quantity of something. It is often used when describing a group of items or people that are considered separate or distinct from each other. For example, “I bought several books on my trip to the bookstore” indicates that the speaker purchased more than one book, but the exact number is unspecified.
The use of “several” is not limited to physical objects. It can also be used to describe a variety of different things or ideas. For instance, “There are several ways to solve this problem” suggests that there are multiple approaches or methods one could take to find a solution.
Let’s explore some more examples to illustrate the correct usage of “several”:
1. “She invited several friends to her birthday party.” – This sentence conveys that the person had more than a few friends attending the party, but the exact number is unknown.
2. “The teacher handed out several worksheets to each student.” – In this case, the teacher distributed multiple worksheets to each student, but again, the precise number is unspecified.
3. “He displayed several paintings at the art exhibition.” – The artist exhibited more than one painting, but without being specific about the exact number.
Overall, the word “several” is a versatile term used to convey an indefinite but small number or quantity of something. It is a part of standard modern English vocabulary and is widely recognized and understood by native English speakers.
On the other hand, “severall” is an obsolete or archaic form of the word. It was commonly used in Old and Middle English but has since fallen out of use. Therefore, it is not appropriate to use “severall” in contemporary English communication.
In conclusion, the correct word to use when discussing an indefinite but small number of things is “several.” This word is widely recognized and used by native English speakers today. While “severall” may have been acceptable in the past, it is now considered outdated and should be avoided in modern English writing and speaking.