a couple numbers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a couple numbers" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression would be "a couple of numbers." You can use it when referring to two or a few specific numbers in a casual context. Example: "I need a couple of numbers to complete the report."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

One leg has a black-and-white band with an alphanumeric code that is readable through a spotting scope — it has a letter and a couple numbers on it called a visual identification (VID).

University of California, Berkeley

Now, in this increasingly HD world, there are a couple numbers that rule our lives.

TechCrunch

First a couple numbers: Pickup sales are down 34% through the first nine months this year, to 817,900 sales.

Forbes

USC brought in hip-hop artist Jay Rock to perform a couple numbers at halftime.

Los Angeles Times

We've all done it: tacked a couple numbers and a '$' sign onto the end of a dead pet's name and called it a day.

Vice

"They taught us a couple numbers from the show, and when I was there at the audition… sometimes you can see if they like you or if they don't like you.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

We also find that hexagonal arrangements of deformable rings have a coupling number N=1.

Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids

A couple of numbers in the wrong place.

Independent

"Well this is a chipper song," announces Gillian Welch, a couple of numbers into her set.

The Guardian - Music

We called a couple of numbers, passing ourselves off as potential buyers.

The Guardian

So rather than a couple of numbers guiding my future career prospects, it'll be work experience and determination.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct grammatical form: "a couple of numbers." This avoids sounding informal or uneducated.

Common error

Avoid using "a couple numbers." The correct phrase is "a couple of numbers" because "couple" acts as a plural noun in this context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase, though often used incorrectly, functions as a determiner phrase specifying a quantity of numerical values. When correctly phrased as "a couple of numbers", it modifies a noun, indicating that there are two or a few numerical values under consideration. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is not correct in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a couple numbers" is encountered in various sources, including news and media, it's grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "a couple of numbers". According to Ludwig AI, it is not correct in standard written English. The usage analysis reveals that the phrase serves to quantify a small set of numerical values, primarily in informal contexts. For more formal or academic writing, alternatives like "a few numbers" or "two numbers" are recommended to ensure grammatical correctness and precision. Remember to always use "a couple of numbers" to maintain clarity and professionalism in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Two numbers

Specifies the exact quantity as two.

A pair of numbers

Replaces "a couple" with "a pair", emphasizing the two numbers as a set.

A few numbers

Uses "a few" instead of "a couple", implying a small quantity but less precise.

Several numbers

Replaces "a couple" with "several", indicating more than two but still a limited quantity.

A small set of numbers

Indicates a limited and grouped collection of numbers.

Some numbers

Uses "some" for an unspecified but limited quantity of numbers.

A handful of numbers

Suggests a small, easily manageable amount of numbers.

A limited number of figures

Replaces "numbers" with "figures", suitable in formal contexts.

Certain numerical values

More formal and precise, replacing "couple" with "certain".

A small selection of digits

Uses "selection" and "digits" for a more technical feel.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "a couple numbers"?

The grammatically correct way to say it is "a couple of numbers". The word "couple" requires the plural form of the noun it modifies.

Is it ever acceptable to say "a couple numbers"?

While sometimes used informally, it is generally best to avoid "a couple numbers" in formal writing or speech. Opt for the grammatically correct "a couple of numbers".

What can I say instead of "a couple of numbers"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a few numbers", "several numbers", or "two numbers".

Which is correct, "a couple of numbers" or "a couple number"?

"A couple of numbers" is correct. "A couple number" is grammatically incorrect because "couple" refers to two items, requiring the plural noun form.