'Several'

is on its last legs (so to speak).

This sturdy, useful word

has been banished from the language,

and replaced with ugly multiple

and such awkward locutions as

there are a number of...
Even there isa lot of would be better.

RIP Several. Gone to join Wholesome, Swell, Spiv, Stuck-up,

Alternative (USA only), Aerodrome, Hansel, Glype and Darkie

in the burgeoning dictionary of superannuated words.