Both word for three

We often use the term “both” when we are describing our including two terms, items or even people, in a topic of conversation or writing. However, the term both clearly depicts two items, no more and no less. Therefore, this poses the question; which words mean “both” for three items?

Which Words Are Equivalents To “Both” For Three Or More Items?

There are particular terms that we can choose to use as an equivalent to “both”, but for three or more items. For the purposes of this article, we will be going over the following ten specific terms:

• Several
• Multiple
• A Lot Of
• Some
• All
• Plenty
• Various
• Many
• Numerous
• A Good Few

The preferred version that we will be highlighting in this article is the term “several”. This is because the term “several” best and most accurately describes three or more things, making it an appropriate equivalent to the term “both”, for two things.

Several

When we use the term “several” we are accurately depicting more than two things. This is because Cambridge Dictionary defines “several” as (of an amount or number) more than two, but fewer than many. Thus making “several” the perfect term to describe anything that includes three or more.

It’s important to note the “several” is still considered to be less than many but denotes some of the people or things.

Here are a few examples that we can go over, that showcase the use of this term:

• He rented several DVDs and VHSs from the library, which caused the librarian to believe that he was having a movie night.
• I have seen Star Wars and Lord of the Rings several times, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
• There are several offices in the building that have now complained of natural gas fumes, so we chose to evacuate the building for safety precautions.

Multiple

Another excellent alternate and applicable term that we can choose to use is “multiple”. Cambridge Dictionary defines “multiple” as having more than one and usually several of something, as well as very many of the same type, or different types.

Because of this, the term “multiple” also accurately describes a situation involving three or more of something.

We can look over the following examples for additional clarity on the use of this term:

• Congratulations, you are having triplets! Aren’t multiples the most exciting thing, like how do women’s bodies do it?
• They will usually give you a discount if you choose to buy multiple products, as opposed to just one or two.
• He died from multiple stab wounds to the face and chest, that caused him to bleed out nearly instantaneously.

A Lot Of

“A lot of” is a great alternative that we can use. Cambridge Dictionary defines “a lot of” as lots of a large amount or number of people or things and an amount or set of things, especially when there are several of these amounts.

Therefore, we can use the term “a lot of” to appropriately describe situations that involve three or more of something.

Some examples that applicably use this specific term are:

• I’ve already done a lot of dishes today; I think it’s your turn to handle this next large load of them.
• I own a lot of records – if I’m, to be honest, there are probably too many to count.
• I have a lot of cousins because my grandparents had 9 children, who all had children of their own.

Some

We can use the term “some” similarly to the other alternate terms. This is because the term “some” is defined by Cambridge Dictionary as an amount or number of something that is not stated or not known; a part of something and a large amount or number of something.

Due to this, we often use the term “some” to describe an undisclosed or unspecified amount, however, it can be used to depict three or more as well.

We will now look over the following examples with this term included:

• I went to the party and wow – there was some crowd of people there!
• We discussed the problem for quite some time. Honestly, it took us hours to go over everything we needed to!
• I made some money doing errands for my aunt, my grandma and my mom. It was more than enough for me to purchase the specific books that I wanted.

All

We can use the term “all” to refer to a large group of something, often equating to many for than just three. Cambridge Dictionary defines “all” as every one of, or the complete amount or number of, or the whole of.

Because of this, we can use the term “all” to describe large amounts or portions of something. While “all” doesn’t necessarily disclose a number, it is often seen as inclusive, meaning there is a necessity for more than one or a pair.

Here are a few examples to go over for this particular term:

• All four of my brothers made it home for Christmas, which was the greatest gift they could have given my mother.
• She currently has three children living in her household, all of whom are under the age of five.
• On my way home, I must have turned a corner too sharply because all of my eggs in the carton were broken.

Plenty

We can consider the term “plenty” to be another appropriate way to describe a larger number, often being far more than three. Cambridge Dictionary defines “plenty” as the state of having enough or more than enough, or a large amount.

Because of this, we often consider “plenty” to be on the brink of too many or too much.

For additional information on the use of this term, we can look over these examples:

• Oh, I’m good, thank you – four beers are plenty for me this evening.
• Don’t grab at the prizes or balloon children – there will be plenty for every boy and girl here!
• They have plenty of money, possibly too much.

Various

Another superb term that we can choose to use is “various”. Cambridge Dictionary defines the term “various” as many different or several different. Because of this, the term “various” automatically implies that there are more than one or two things, people, comments, etc.

We can use the term “various” to highlight a number of things, but also to highlight their differences or uniqueness as well.

We can now take a moment to read over the following examples:

• He’s been suffering from various health conditions for the last decade, all of which affect him in different ways.
• After the party, I went around and collected up the bottles that were strewn across various parts of the house.
• She’s gone through various treatments over the last two years and unfortunately, none of them have been successful.

Many

We can use the term “many” consistently with our other alternate terms. We should consider the use of the term “many” to be expressing a large quantity or number of people, things, etc. Therefore, it makes an appropriate term when describing three or more of something.

Cambridge Dictionary defines “many” as used mainly in negative sentences and questions and with “too”, “so”, and “as” to mean “a large number of”.

Some examples that use this particular term are:

• I have purchased many items in the MAC Cosmetics Game of Thrones’ line of makeup.
• How many cars would approximate that drive on the 401 highways on a daily basis?
• There are far too many people chasing after far too few available jobs.

Numerous

Another fantastic alternative that we can use to depict three or more of something is “numerous”. Simply put, Cambridge Dictionary defines the term “numerous” as being many. Therefore, we can appropriately use this term, whenever we wish to describe the involvement of three or more people, animals, things, etc.

However, “numerous” can also be considered a very large quantity, so we should do our best to use the term only when it is most applicable or accurate.

We can look over these various examples for additional information:

• She invited numerous people to the party at her parents’ house, despite their warnings against her doing so.
• He has attended numerous meetings and school events, all to showcase his dedication to the school and his children.
• She has proven her worth to this company on numerous occasions and because of this, I feel that she is deserving of a promotion.

A Good Few

The final alternative term that we will be going over in this article is “a goof few”. This British saying is quite common and alludes to the fact that there is a large number of people, items, opinions, etc., included.

The term “few” has never been restricted to the meaning of three, despite popular opinion. However, even if it were, it would still be applicable in this situation. A “few” can even be a considerable number at times.

Lastly, we will go over the final examples for this article, which include this specific term:

• This restaurant has now been around for a good few years – making itself known as the best place for a burger and beer.
• You know, it took me a good few decades before I was able to let go of the grudges and hatred that I was harbouring in my heart and mind.
• He’s put in a good few hours volunteering at the local humane society – he truly loves it there.