a couple of blocks

USAGE SUMMARY

"a couple of blocks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a short distance that can be easily walked, such as "We walked a couple of blocks to the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

A park is a couple of blocks away.

The New York Times

That is, until one went a couple of blocks north.

The New York Times - Sports

They're staying with family a couple of blocks away.

The New York Times

A couple of blocks away are restaurants, bars and galleries.

The New York Times

"Around here?" "A couple of blocks from here.

The New Yorker

The next target was only a couple of blocks away.

The Guardian

He chased them a couple of blocks to Broadway.

The New York Times

The library is a couple of blocks away.

The New York Times

Within a couple of blocks I was pulled over.

The Guardian

Their cars were moving a couple of blocks an hour.

The New York Times

But Smalls, a couple of blocks south, was impressively packed for the Dwayne Clemons Quintet.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing directions, use "a couple of blocks" to give an approximate distance that is easy to understand and visualize.

Common error

Avoid using only "a couple of blocks" without any other landmarks or directional cues. Always provide additional context to ensure clarity, especially in unfamiliar areas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a couple of blocks" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, typically indicating distance or location. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to describe how far away something is. For example, "The library is a couple of blocks away."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “a couple of blocks” is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate a short distance, generally considered easily walkable. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it serves as a neutral way to provide directions or describe proximity. While widely understood, it may not be suitable for formal or scientific contexts where precision is key. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by adding landmarks or directional cues. Alternative phrases like ""a short walk away"" or ""just around the corner"" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short walk away

Emphasizes the ease and convenience of reaching the location.

just around the corner

Suggests the location is very close and easily accessible.

a few streets over

Similar to "a couple of blocks" but specifies streets instead of blocks.

within walking distance

Highlights the feasibility of walking to the destination.

just down the street

Indicates the location is along the same street, not far away.

a stone's throw away

Implies the location is extremely close, using a more figurative expression.

a hop, skip, and a jump away

A playful and informal way to describe a very short distance.

nearby

A simple and general term indicating close proximity.

a quick jaunt away

Suggests a short and pleasant trip to reach the location.

in close proximity

A more formal way of saying nearby.

FAQs

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

You can use "a couple of blocks" to indicate a short distance. For example, "The park is "a couple of blocks away"" or "The store is "a couple of blocks from here"".

What are some alternatives to "a couple of blocks"?

Alternatives include "a short walk away", "just around the corner", or "within walking distance". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is it okay to use "a couple of blocks" in formal writing?

While "a couple of blocks" is generally understood, it's more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise measurements or phrases like "a short distance" or "nearby".

What does "a couple of blocks" typically mean in terms of actual distance?

The actual distance of "a couple of blocks" can vary depending on the city or area. It generally refers to a distance that can be easily walked, typically a few hundred meters or yards.