a couple behind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a couple behind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that there are two people or things located at the back or following something else. Example: "There was a couple behind us in line, chatting quietly as we waited."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"I put a couple behind my ears for hypertension," said one rosy-cheeked woman.

The New York Times

We moved on and began our reading, but were again interrupted by shouting: a couple behind us had also spoken to the man and he'd attacked them.

The Guardian - Books

Fortune only had a couple behind him turning into the straight, yet he brought his mount smoothly on the outside of Black Shadow, who just held off Hymenaios for second but was two lengths behind the impressive winner.

The Guardian - Sport

But he was the subject of a confident ride from Murtagh, who only had a couple behind him until the top of the straight but began to make stealthy progress to cut through the pack and hit the front a furlong from home.

The Guardian - Sport

A couple behind us popped two cans of Coors, getting their morning shine on. .

Vice

Put a couple behind your back and head, press one against your stomach and hold one between your legs (this one is surprisingly good!).

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Here, they've provided us with a couple behind-the-scenes snapshots that show their project in its "waxing" phase: .

Vice

Golden State's Andre Iguodala put on a passing clinic against Detroit on Tuesday night with a couple of behind-the-back assists in the first half.

Huffington Post

Get a couple of 'Behind-the-Scenes' books from your library if they have them, or buy the books, and read about the making of the movies, the actors, the sets, and the costumes.

WikiHow

He was walking with other Republican leaders, but a couple steps behind, by himself, looking like a guy going through some shit.

Vice

He was walking with other Republican leaders, but a couple steps behind, by himself, looking like a guy going through some shit.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a couple behind", ensure the context clearly indicates what the "couple" is behind. This clarifies the relationship and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a couple behind" when you mean more than two. The phrase specifically refers to two entities, so using it for a larger group is incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a couple behind" functions as a modifier, typically acting as an adjectival phrase or an adverbial phrase depending on its context within a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it frequently modifies nouns indicating the location or position of a pair relative to something else.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a couple behind" is used to describe two entities positioned at the rear or following something. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and sees usage across various contexts, especially in News & Media. The phrase serves a descriptive function, providing spatial information. While the usage frequency is uncommon, the phrase maintains a neutral register. The phrase needs more context in order to provide enough and clear explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two following

Focuses specifically on the number and their relative position.

two in the rear

Highlights the rearward position of the two entities.

a pair trailing

Emphasizes the action of following and that the entities are in a pair.

a duo at the back

Refers to a pair positioned at the back.

two lagging behind

Highlights the action of not keeping pace.

a couple in the wake

Implies they're directly following something.

two after

A more concise way of saying they follow.

a pair at the tail

Emphasizes that they are at the very end.

two straggling

Conveys a sense of being spread out and behind.

some following closely

Highlights the closeness of the followers.

FAQs

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

You can use "a couple behind" to describe two entities that are following or located at the rear of something. For example, "There was "a couple behind" us in the movie theater."

What phrases are similar to "a couple behind"?

Similar phrases include "two following", "two in the rear", or "a pair trailing", which all suggest a small number of entities located at or toward the rear.

Is it correct to use "a couple behind" to describe more than two people?

No, "a couple behind" specifically refers to two people or things. If there are more than two, you should use a different phrase such as "a few behind" or "several behind".

What's the difference between "a couple behind" and "a few behind"?

"A couple behind" means exactly two are located at the rear, while "a few behind" indicates an unspecified number of entities (usually more than two but not a large amount) are at the rear.