Cool MateSeveral vs Some
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Several | Some | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | more than two but not many | a small amount or number of something |
| CEFR level | A2 | A1 |
| Part of speech | determiner | |
| Usage notes | Used to indicate an unspecified number of items greater than two. It's generally appropriate in both spoken and written English, but avoid it in very formal contexts where specific numbers are preferred. | Use 'some' when you want to express an indefinite quantity. It is often used in questions where we expect a positive answer. Avoid using it in very formal contexts where precise quantities are required. |
Frequently asked questions: Several vs Some
What's the difference between "Several" and "Some"?
"Several" means: more than two but not many "Some" means: a small amount or number of something
When should I use "Several" and "Some"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Several" and "Some" the same CEFR level?
"Several" is at A2, "Some" is at A1 on the CEFR scale.