1
general::
several
more than a few people or things, but not a large number:
• She’s been to Japan several times. • I’ve read several of his books.
a number of something
several. A number of sounds more formal than several:
• We have received a number of complaints about last night’s programme. • There are a number of different airlines to choose from.
quite a few
several – used when emphasizing that there are rather a lot of people, things etc. Quite a few sounds more informal than several and is more commonly used in spoken English:
• Quite a few people were already in the pool. • She made quite a few enemies. • It took him quite a few days to make up his mind.
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