A couple of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A couple of things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to refer to two or a few items or points that you want to mention or discuss. Example: "Before we conclude the meeting, I have a couple of things to address regarding the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A couple of things.

The New York Times

A couple of things gave me pause.

The New York Times

A couple of things spring to mind.

The Guardian - Sport

A couple of things jump out there.

The New Yorker

A couple of things make Yellen's candidacy intriguing.

The New Yorker

A couple of things struck her right away.

The New York Times

A couple of things I have in mind.

Independent

A couple of things are at work here.

The New York Times

A couple of things here: Pakistan has a constitution?

The Guardian - Opinion

A couple of things set her apart, though.

The New York Times

So we do a couple of things.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "A couple of things", ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to two or a small number of items. This avoids ambiguity and maintains clarity in your communication.

Common error

While "A couple of things" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "a few points" or "several aspects" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A couple of things" primarily functions as a determiner phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It introduces a limited number of items or points, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "A couple of things" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce a small number of items or points. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and prevalence, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to ensure clarity and avoid overuse by considering alternatives like "a few points" or "several aspects".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A couple of items

Direct synonym, replacing "things" with "items" for a slightly more formal tone.

A couple of details

Highlights specific pieces of information, often of minor significance.

A few considerations

Emphasizes a slightly larger number of points to consider, though still relatively small.

A handful of items

Implies a small, manageable number of things, similar in quantity to "a couple".

A few matters

Replaces "things" with "matters", highlighting the importance or relevance of the points.

A few concerns

Emphasizes issues that cause worry or require careful consideration.

Several aspects

Suggests a broader range of items or elements to be discussed.

Certain issues

Focuses on specific problems or subjects that need attention.

Some points

A more general way to refer to certain ideas or aspects.

Some factors

Points out specific reasons or influences in the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "A couple of things" to introduce a few points or items you want to mention. For instance, "There are "a couple of things" I wanted to discuss before we wrap up the meeting."

What can I say instead of "A couple of things"?

You can use alternatives like "a few points", "several aspects", or "a handful of items depending on the context.

Is "A couple of things" formal or informal?

"A couple of things" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. In formal settings, you might prefer alternatives like "several matters" or "certain issues" for a more professional tone.

Can I use "A couple of things" to refer to more than two items?

While "a couple" technically means two, the phrase "A couple of things" is often used colloquially to refer to a small number, typically up to three or four. For larger numbers, use "several aspects" or "numerous points".