A couple of boxes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A couple of boxes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small, indefinite number of boxes, typically two or a few more. Example: "I need to pack a couple of boxes for the move this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

(A couple of boxes or trash cans are equally effective).

The New York Times - Tech

A couple of boxes have bottoms tilted on the diagonal in ways that are different, if equally startling upon approach.

The New York Times - Arts

"I opened up a couple of boxes," he said.

The New York Times

Soon, Peppy's business partner, Ross, arrived, carrying a couple of boxes of syringes, for applying tick and flea repellent.

The New Yorker

"We had to make do with a couple of boxes of pilot crackers for the rest of the trip".

The New Yorker

The Leeds coach, Brian McDermott, said: "He still has a couple of boxes to tick, but we are pretty confident about him".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

A couple of Box's environmentalists are strident, uncompromising caricatures.

The New York Times - Books

Not being in possession of such a device, I improvise back at my desk with a couple of box files, several magazines and a tower of reporters' notebooks.

The Guardian

Next we flew a couple of boxed patterns off of Runway 22.

Forbes

The very-exposed Latino actress/singer/sex symbol went through an awkward public breakup with rap singer/ex-boyfriend Sean "Puffy" Combs Sean "Puffy" Combs, suffered a couple of box office sleepers and got a ton of bad press due to a gun-shooting incident at a New York night club.

Forbes

A couple of box sets were recently reissued, reduced to a smaller size for convenience, and these are some of the standouts.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a couple of boxes", ensure the context makes it clear you are referring to a small, manageable number. Avoid using it when the quantity is significantly larger, as it can be misleading.

Common error

Avoid using "a couple of boxes" if you actually mean a larger, unspecified number. If the exact number isn't known but is clearly more than two, opt for phrases like "several boxes" or "a few boxes".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A couple of boxes" primarily functions as a quantifier followed by a noun. It indicates a small, indefinite quantity (typically two or a few) of boxed items. According to Ludwig, this phrase is deemed correct and suitable for written English. The Ludwig examples show its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "A couple of boxes" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a small quantity of boxes, typically two or a few. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral register, making it suitable for various situations. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the quantity you intend to convey, and consider alternatives like "two boxes" or "a few boxes" for greater precision. This helps avoid misinterpretations, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Two boxes

Directly specifies the quantity as two, providing a more precise alternative.

A few boxes

Indicates a small number, but less specific than "two" or "couple".

Just a couple boxes

Emphasizes the small number in an informal way.

Several boxes

Suggests more than a few, but still a relatively small quantity.

Two or three boxes

Provides a range for a slightly imprecise count.

Some boxes

Indicates an unspecified quantity, typically a small to moderate amount.

A pair of boxes

Emphasizes the boxes come as a matching or related set.

A handful of boxes

Highlights the small number and ease of handling.

Limited number of boxes

Highlights the scarcity of boxes.

Small quantity of boxes

Emphasizes the small amount or volume.

FAQs

How can I use "A couple of boxes" in a sentence?

You can use "A couple of boxes" to indicate a small quantity of boxes, for example: "I need to move "a couple of boxes" to the storage room."

What are some alternatives to "A couple of boxes"?

Alternatives include "two boxes", "a few boxes", or "several boxes", depending on the degree of precision you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "A couple of boxes"?

It would be incorrect to use "A couple of boxes" if you're referring to significantly more than two items, as the phrase implies a small, limited quantity. In such cases, use terms like "many boxes" or "lots of boxes".

What's the difference between "A couple of boxes" and "Some boxes"?

"A couple of boxes" typically suggests two or a small number very close to two. "Some boxes" ("some boxes") implies an unspecified quantity that could be slightly larger than what "a couple" suggests.