a couple

USAGE SUMMARY

"a couple" is correct and is widely used in written English.
You can use it to refer to two persons or objects. For example, "We went on a trip with a couple of friends last weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's a couple.

The New Yorker

"A couple of crazies.

The New Yorker

Are they a couple?

The Guardian - Music

A couple have sticks.

The New Yorker

A couple of days?

Independent

A couple of monologues.

The New Yorker

"Only a couple back.

The New York Times

A couple of things.

The New York Times

They became a couple.

The New Yorker

38% A couple of weeks.

Forbes

A couple of points.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a couple" when you want to indicate a small number, typically two, without being overly precise. For example, "I need a couple of days to finish the project".

Common error

While "a couple" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language like "two" or "a small number" for greater clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a couple" functions as a determiner, specifically a quantifier, indicating a small number, typically two. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used, appearing in contexts ranging from everyday conversation to more formal writing. It modifies a noun, specifying the quantity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a couple" is a versatile and common quantifier in the English language, typically indicating a small number of two. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. While its usage is generally acceptable, it's advisable to use more precise language in formal or technical writing. Common alternatives include "a few" and "two". As exemplified in Ludwig's results, "a couple" frequently appears in news articles and general writing, but is less common in academic or scientific contexts. Be mindful of the level of formality required for your specific writing context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few

Refers to a small number, similar to "a couple", but can imply slightly more than two.

a pair of

Specifically denotes two items or individuals that are related or used together.

two

The most direct and literal substitute, specifying the exact number.

several

Indicates more than two but not a large number; less precise than "a couple".

a small number

A more descriptive alternative, emphasizing the limited quantity.

two or three

Offers a range, acknowledging potential uncertainty in the exact number.

a brace of

An older, more formal term for "a couple", typically used for game birds or animals.

a duo

Refers specifically to two people who work together or are closely associated.

a set of two

Highlights the idea of two items forming a matching or related group.

some

A more general term indicating an unspecified but limited quantity.

FAQs

How can I use "a couple" in a sentence?

You can use "a couple" to refer to two things or people. For instance, "I have "a couple of" books to read" or "A couple of friends are coming over tonight".

What can I say instead of "a couple"?

You can use alternatives like "a few", "two", or "several", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a couple"?

While generally acceptable, avoid using "a couple" in highly formal or technical writing where precision is crucial. In such cases, "two" or "a small number" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "a couple" and "a pair"?

"A couple" generally refers to two of something, while "a pair" often implies two items that are designed to be used together, such as "a pair of shoes".