Using 'several' and 'some'

Question

What is the difference between these two?

Ann has some nieces.
Ann has several nieces.

OALD defines some as:

3) a large number or amount of something
4) a small amount or number of something

and several as:

more than two but not very many

Does this mean that some is more than several? How can I use them correctly?

The question asks " does Annie have any nephews or nieces ?

I'm not so sure that this question is "entirely answerable with a dictionary." I would have been more inclined to close it as "not providing enough details." Have a look at our Details, please post on meta, and follow the guidelines there. If you can explain where you looked for an answer and why you're still confused, we can reopen this question, and answer it. I think it could be an excellent question. — J.R., Commented Jan 23, 2016 at 11:03
Sanjar, if you compare the definitions of some and several in a dictionary, do you still have a question? Please add some more information to your question so we can better andwer it. — Jim Reynolds, Commented Jan 23, 2016 at 11:45
I agree with J.R. here. I guess that the OP's confusion is along the lines of another question posted not long ago, “We have known each other for some years now” - so is it a long time or short time?. I took the liberty of editing the question based on that guess. Please feel free to edit my edit. — Damkerng T., Commented Jan 23, 2016 at 11:50

Anderson Oliveira · Accepted Answer · 2016-01-23 14:58:35Z

1

You use several with countable nouns, which means nouns that can be made plural... for example dogs, cats, cars...

I have several cars. I drink several cups of coffee in the morning.

You use some with non-countable nouns... nouns that are always singular.

For example: coffee, sand, money. It means a small amount I have some money in the bank. I usually drink some coffee in the morning.

answered Jan 23, 2016 at 14:58

Anderson Oliveira

193 bronze badges

2

I disagree - it's perfectly normal to say "I have some friends in Mexico" or "there are some apples on the table." I don't think it's as simple as count vs non-count.
– stangdon
Commented Jan 23, 2016 at 16:00
No problem, but this isn't a fixed rule for use. There are several/some ways to say something. But in this case I mean several ways and don't be wrong if to say some. The better indicative will be what the speaker means. This is an explanation of how to use the terms. More explanation here: the-difference-between.com/some/several
– Anderson Oliveira
Commented Jan 23, 2016 at 16:37

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