a couple approach

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a couple approach" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts discussing methods or strategies that involve two parties or elements, but it is better to clarify the meaning. Example: "In our project, we decided to adopt a couple approach to problem-solving, collaborating closely with our partners."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

January A couple approach the Sun on Sunday with details of their relationship with a "well-known" married individual, subsequently referred to in a legal judgment by the initials PJS.

The Guardian

A couple approach the stall with a small lidded, plastic box.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

A couple approached.

The New York Times

They were hiking a less strenuous trail when a couple approached from the other direction.

The New York Times

A couple approached and asked to have their picture taken with the former governor.

The New Yorker

A couple approached the counter clutching books they had found on the bargain table outside the store.

The New Yorker

As I stood watching my own children splash about, a couple approached me with their five-year-old son.

The New Yorker

A couple approached and said they'd been waiting for the table for a long time and that it was unfair of us to sit and order.

The New York Times

We used a couple approaches to do that.

Forbes

Later in the video, when Ono is in her black bra and skirt, a couple approaches.

Huffington Post

As we weaved through the crowded tracks on Saturday night, a couple approached us, we assumed, to ask us something.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Reframe the sentence to use stronger verbs and clearer subjects. Instead of "a couple approach", specify who is approaching and their intent. For instance, "the couple walked toward the counter" is much more descriptive.

Common error

Avoid using "approach" as a simple synonym for "come near". "Approach" often implies intent or a specific manner of movement. If there's no intended action or specific way of coming near, choose a more neutral verb.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a couple approach" functions as a clause element, typically a subject and verb. However, its grammatical correctness is questionable, as Ludwig AI points out, because the verb form doesn't agree with the subject.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a couple approach" appears in various sources, its grammatical status is questionable. As Ludwig AI explains, it is advisable to use the grammatically correct "a couple approaches" or rephrase for clarity. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, but its rare occurrence suggests it's not a preferred choice. When writing, prioritize clarity and grammatical correctness by opting for alternatives like "two people come near" or specifying the action, like "the couple walked towards". This ensures your writing is both accurate and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two individuals approach

Replaces "couple" with a more formal term and maintains the action of approaching.

two people come near

Change 'approach' to 'come near' providing an informal alternative.

a pair nears

Uses "pair" instead of "couple" and "nears" as a synonym for "approach", creating a slightly different tone.

a couple comes closer

Emphasizes reduced distance, rather than intention.

a duo advances

Substitutes "couple" with "duo" and uses "advances" to convey movement forward, altering the feel of the phrase.

a group approaches

Uses 'group' instead of 'couple', so it describes more than two people.

a few converge

More vague regarding the exact number (a few) and replaces 'approach' with 'converge', implying a meeting point.

several address

Shifts the focus to addressing a subject, rather than physical proximity, changing the meaning considerably.

a team tackles

Emphasizes teamwork and problem-solving, significantly altering the original sense.

a couple starts

Replace 'approach' with 'start' changing the focus of the sentence.

FAQs

Is "a couple approach" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "a couple approach" is not standard English. It's better to use phrases like "a couple approaches" or rephrase the sentence for clarity.

What's a more common way to say "a couple approach"?

Instead of "a couple approach", try "a couple comes near", "a couple walks up", or "a pair approaches", depending on the intended meaning.

How can I make my writing clearer when describing two people coming closer?

Be specific about their actions and intent. For instance, instead of "a couple approach", write "the couple walked toward the counter to order" or "a couple drew near, looking curious".

What's the difference between "a couple approach" and "a couple approaches"?

"A couple approach" uses the base form of the verb, which doesn't agree with the subject. "A couple approaches" is grammatically correct because the verb is conjugated to agree with the singular subject "couple".