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Multiple vs Several vs Many are not entirely interchangeable words. While they all describe a quantity greater than one, that is a number of times, they have distinct meanings and connotations.
The misuse of words happens. If you aren’t already annoyed by the prevalence and growing misuse of the word multiple during the early 2020s, you soon may be. Just start paying closer attention to:
- news bulletins,
- political interviews.
- print media,
- online content,
- podcasts, and
- YouTube videos.
Multiple vs Several vs Many
Below are the best and simplest definitions.
Multiple
Multiple is a number that is the product of a given number and another number.
Example: 12 is a multiple of 3 because it can be obtained by multiplying 3 by 4. So, the word generally applies to mathematical, technical or scientific situations. Addition, Subtraction, Division, and Multiplication are the 4 basics of Mathematics.
Several
Several is a number that is more than two but fewer than many; used to describe a small but indefinite number of people or things.
Example: As more people arrived at the party I noticed several girls from my college. Replacing several with many is acceptable, but multiple sounds ridiculous because it is inappropriate in this social context.
Many
Many is a number that is large, more than several, but indefinite, often used to describe a considerable number of people or things.
Example: The orchard is full of fruit after the wonderful summer, and there are many apples weighing the trees down this year. In this case neither several nor multiple would be right in place of many.
Takeaway
So, while all three words can be used to describe quantities, “several” is more formal and typically used to describe a group of separate things, “many” is more general and often used in informal contexts, and “multiple” is used mathematically to describe something composed of multiple parts or elements.
Why Does the Misuse of Words Happen
The misuse of words happens for several reasons (not multiple reasons):
Lack of Understanding
People may use words incorrectly if they do not understand the meanings or the context. This can lead to confusion and miscommunication.
Inattention to Context
Words used out of context can distort the intended meaning. This can be problematic in situations where precision is crucial. Such as in formal communication or technical discussion.
Flattery and Manipulation
Sophists use words to manipulate others. They often say what they want to hear or use language to gain control over others. This can be a deliberate attempt to deceive or influence others for personal gain.
Corruption of Language
The misuse of words can result from a broader corruption of language, where words obscure reality and truth. This can lead to a breakdown in communication and a loss of trust in language itself.
Imperfections in Language
Language is inherently imperfect, and words can be used incorrectly because of limitations and ambiguities inherent in human communication. However, this does not excuse the misuse of words, as it is important to strive for clarity and accuracy in communication.
Lack of Proofreading and Editing
Not double-checking work or seeking feedback from others can lead to the misuse of words, especially in formal, public, or high-stakes communication. It is essential to review and correct spoken or written work to ensure accuracy and clarity. With the tools available today there can be no excuse for writers and broadcasters to be slack in this regard.
Moral and Political Threats
The misuse of words can be a moral and political threat, as it can be used to spread misinformation, manipulate public opinion, or undermine trust in institutions. This can have significant consequences for individuals and society.
The Linguistic Shift
The use of multiple instead of several and many is a common linguistic shift that has become prevalent and likely to confuse many people. (It would never occur to me to write multiple people)
People began using Multiple more frequently in the 2020s as a substitute for several or many. It happens even when referring to a group of distinct entities rather than something composed of multiple parts.
The shift likely stems from a desire by the speaker or writer to sound more formal or authoritative. Multiple has a more technical, mathematical connotation compared to the more casual several and many. It may also be influenced by the prevalence of multiple in police and news media language. There it is used to describe things like multiple gunshot wounds.
The Proper Use of Multiple
The proper use of multiple is to describe something that is composed of distinct parts or elements, rather than just a large quantity of separate things. Using multiple when several or many would be more appropriate can be seen as an unnecessary and unsuccessful attempt to sound more sophisticated. Thereby having the exact opposite effect, making a person sound like an imposter.
Takeaway
The shift towards using multiple is a linguistic trend driven by a desire for more formal, technical-sounding language, even when it is not the most precise or appropriate word choice. Unfortunately, the traditional meanings of these quantitative terms are being blurred as language evolves.
Comedians Joke about the Misuse of Multiple
Some comedians and writers use humour to highlight the absurdity and overuse of words in everyday conversation, often exaggerating the misuse for comedic effect. But there is usually an underlying serious message.
Bill Maher has been involved in controversies over the misuse of multiple in the context of jokes and humour. In one instance, he was accused of stealing a joke from The Onion, and he responded by saying he had used the joke first.
John Lanchester, a British author and journalist has written about the misuse of multiple in the context of grammar and language. He has criticised its overuse and of diluting the meanings of other words.
Final Thoughts
We must understand, respect, and not abuse languages and words or misuse them:
Social Justice and Human Rights
Language loss is often a result of political or social repression, oppression, suppression, aggression, prejudice, violence, and even ethnic cleansing and genocide. Preserving languages is a matter of right and wrong, and it is essential for social justice and human rights.
Cultural Preservation
Languages are closely tied to the cultures they represent. Preserving languages allows us to preserve these cultures and the knowledge, history, and traditions they contain. This is particularly important for Indigenous languages, which are often isolated and at risk of being lost.
Knowledge and Understanding
Languages contain vast amounts of historical information, including oral literature, oral traditions, and oral histories. Losing a language means losing this knowledge and the insights it provides into human experience and the human condition.
Intellectual Development
Children who are bilingual or multilingual tend to have higher academic achievement and better intellectual development than those who are monolingual. Preserving native languages helps ensure uninterrupted intellectual development.
Economic Opportunities
Knowing multiple languages can open better employment opportunities both domestically and internationally, as it provides a competitive edge in the job market.
Personal and Social Identity
A person’s native language is critical to their identity and self-concept. Maintaining the native language helps individuals value their culture and heritage, which contributes to a positive self-concept.
Global Understanding
Preserving languages helps us understand the diversity of human experience and the complexity of human cultures. This understanding is essential for fostering global cooperation and understanding.
Respect and Empathy
Using respectful language shows empathy and understanding for individuals who speak different languages. It helps to avoid stereotypes and promotes a more inclusive environment.
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