You're staring at the screen. The cursor is blinking, almost judging you. You've used the word "some" four times in the last three sentences, and honestly, it’s making your writing look a bit lazy. We all do it. It’s a safety net. When you don't have the exact number or you're feeling a little non-committal, you reach for that four-letter crutch. But here’s the thing: another word for some can actually change the entire "vibe" of your sentence, turning a mushy thought into something sharp and professional.
Words have weight. "Some" is light—practically weightless. It tells the reader that something exists, but it doesn't tell them how much to care. If you say "some people believe," you're being vague. If you say "a faction of experts argues," you've suddenly got a narrative. Context is everything.
Why We Get Stuck on One Word
Language is weird. Our brains are hardwired for efficiency, which usually just means taking the path of least resistance. "Some" is the path of least resistance. It’s a quantifier that functions as a "determiner" in linguistic terms, but in reality, it's a filler.
Think about the difference between a "few" and "several." Most people use them interchangeably, but they aren't the same. According to the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook—the holy grail for journalists—a "few" is generally considered to be three or more, while "several" implies a slightly larger number but fewer than "many." When you look for another word for some, you're really looking for precision. You’re trying to tell the reader exactly how much of the "thing" is actually there without counting every single piece.
The Professional Upgrade: Precise Alternatives
If you're writing a report or an email to your boss, "some" feels like you didn't do your homework. You want to sound like you've got the data even if you aren't citing a specific spreadsheet.
A handful. Use this when the number is small enough to feel manageable or intimate. "A handful of clients expressed concerns" sounds way more personal and grounded than "some clients." It implies you’ve actually talked to them.
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A significant portion. This is your heavy hitter for business. It suggests that while it’s not the majority, it’s enough to matter. It carries gravity.
Numerous. This is the word you want when "some" feels too small. If you're talking about bugs in a software update, "some bugs" sounds like a Tuesday afternoon. "Numerous glitches" sounds like a crisis that needs a fix.
Sometimes, you need to go the other way. Meager or scant works when you want to highlight that the "some" you’re talking about is actually disappointing. If a company offers "some benefits," that's fine. If they offer "meager benefits," you’re telling a story about a stingy employer.
Dealing With People and Groups
Writing about people is where "some" gets really dangerous. It’s the hallmark of "weasel words." Politicians love saying "some say" because it allows them to quote an opinion without attributing it to anyone specific. Don't be a weasel.
If you’re looking for another word for some in the context of a crowd, try a contingent. This implies a group with a shared purpose. Or try a smattering, which suggests people are spread out and disconnected.
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- Various: Use this when the items in the group are different from one another.
- Divers: (Old school, but cool) It’s like various but feels a bit more formal or literary.
- Sundry: This is great for a collection of odd bits and pieces. "Sundry items" sounds like a drawer full of keys and paperclips. "Some items" sounds like a box you forgot to label.
When "Some" Is Actually the Best Choice
I’m going to be real with you: sometimes, trying too hard to avoid "some" makes you sound like you’re trying to swallow a dictionary. Over-writing is a crime. If you’re just talking about "some water" or "some time," don't swap it for "a portion of H2O" or "a duration of minutes." That’s just weird.
Linguist Steven Pinker talks about "The Sense of Style," where he argues against "zombie nouns" and over-complicated vocabulary. If "some" gets the job done without drawing attention to itself, let it live. The goal of finding another word for some isn't to be fancy; it's to be clear.
The Psychological Impact of Quantifiers
There’s actually some fascinating research into how we perceive these words. A study published in Memory & Cognition years ago looked at how people interpret "vague quantifiers." The researchers found that people’s interpretation of words like "some" or "many" changes based on the base rate of what’s being discussed.
For example, if you say "some people survived the plane crash," people might think that means 10%. But if you say "some people liked the movie," they might think that means 40%. Because the word is so flexible, it's also unreliable. This is why "some" is the favorite tool of the cautious. It’s a shield against being wrong. But in good writing, you have to be willing to be specific.
Quick Reference: The "Some" Replacement Map
Let’s break this down by the specific "flavor" of some you’re trying to replace.
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- When you mean "A little bit": Try a modicum, a hint, a touch, or a speck.
- When you mean "Part of a whole": Try a fraction, a segment, a slice, or a percentage.
- When you mean "An indefinite number": Try a variety, an assortment, a medley, or a batch.
- When you mean "Certain": Try specific, particular, or given. "Some days are hard" becomes "Particular days are grueling."
The "Certain" Problem
Often, we use "some" when we actually mean "certain."
"Some employees will be promoted."
Compare that to:
"Certain employees will be promoted."
The second one feels more ominous, doesn't it? It implies there’s a criteria. It implies a plan. "Some" feels like a lottery. If you're a manager, "certain" is a much more powerful word choice. It shows intention.
How to Edit Your Work for Vague Language
Go back through your last draft. Use the "Find" function (Ctrl+F or Cmd+F) and search for "some." Every time it pops up, ask yourself: Could I be more specific here without sounding like a jerk? If you're talking about "some evidence," can you change it to "anecdotal evidence" or "empirical evidence"? If you're talking about "some progress," can you call it "incremental progress" or "measurable progress"?
Actionable Steps for Better Vocabulary
Don't just memorize a list of synonyms. That’s boring and you’ll forget them by lunch. Instead, change how you think about quantities.
- Quantify whenever possible. If "some" represents 20%, say "one-fifth."
- Use sensory words. Instead of "some noise," use "a low hum" or "a distant thud."
- Match the tone. Use "a bit" for friends, "a portion" for clients, and "a pittance" for when you're feeling dramatic about your paycheck.
- Watch for "Somewhere" and "Something." These are cousins of "some" and are just as guilty of watering down your prose. "Something happened" is the weakest sentence in the English language. "A fuse blew" is a story.
Precision is a muscle. The more you reach for another word for some, the easier it becomes to spot the gaps in your own thinking. When you force yourself to choose a better word, you're forced to actually understand what you're talking about. You stop being a spectator of your own sentences and start being the architect.
Next time you catch yourself typing that "s-o-m-e" sequence, pause. Think about the actual volume, the actual intensity, and the actual group you’re describing. Pick the word that fits the shape of the truth, not just the one that fills the hole in the sentence.