a couple of degrees

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a couple of degrees" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of degrees, often in the context of temperature or angles. Example: "The temperature dropped a couple of degrees overnight, making it feel much colder in the morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Outdoor summer temperatures could also drop a couple of degrees.

The New York Times - Science

A couple of degrees hotter doesn't make that much difference.

The Guardian

People ask "What's a couple of degrees, Paul?" Well, when was the last time you were a couple of degrees warmer?

The Guardian

Turn those thermostats down a couple of degrees in the winter and up in the summer.

The New York Times

I did a couple of degrees in history, a B.A. and an M.A.

University of California, Berkeley

"The moment he walks in the room, the temperature goes down a couple of degrees.

The Guardian

Mr. Fouquiau goes a couple of degrees darker, achieving a light chestnut color.

The New York Times - Food

Not because it was corked, but because it was a couple of degrees too warm.

The Guardian - Books

Dr. Veverka said the orientation of Tempel 1 turned out to be within a couple of degrees of the predictions.

The New York Times - Science

Some bits of Europe that grow wheat, for example, have heated up by a couple of degrees since 1980.

The Economist

A few grams' or a couple of degrees' difference and your own search for perfection is thwarted.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a couple of degrees" to describe temperature, specify the scale (Celsius or Fahrenheit) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a couple of degrees" to downplay significant changes, especially in climate contexts, as seemingly small temperature shifts can have substantial consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a couple of degrees" functions as a quantifier followed by a unit of measurement. It specifies an approximate, small quantity of degrees and acts as an adjective modifying a noun, as demonstrated by the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a couple of degrees" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a small difference or change, typically in temperature or angles. Ludwig's analysis reveals it is most often found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts, indicating a wide range of applicability. While versatile, it's crucial to specify the measurement scale (Celsius or Fahrenheit) for temperature and to recognize that even seemingly small degree changes can have significant implications. The Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, further solidifying its place in the language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few degrees

Replaces "couple" with "few", indicating a small but indefinite number of degrees.

two degrees

Specifies the exact number of degrees, making it more precise.

a small degree

Emphasizes the small magnitude of the change or difference.

slight temperature change

Focuses specifically on temperature and implies a minor alteration.

minor angular variation

Applies to angular measurements, highlighting a small deviation.

a minimal difference

Highlights the insignificance of the difference in degrees.

a marginal amount

Indicates that the quantity of degrees is barely noticeable.

a touch warmer

Replaces a numerical value with a qualitative description of temperature change.

negligible deviation

Underlines that the change in degrees is so small it can be ignored.

fractional increment

Highlights the small, incremental nature of the degree change.

FAQs

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

You can use "a couple of degrees" to describe a small change in temperature, angle, or separation. For example, "The oven temperature needs to be increased by "a couple of degrees"."

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

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

Is it more accurate to say "a couple of degrees" or "two degrees"?

While both are correct, "two degrees" is more precise. "A couple of degrees" implies an approximate value, whereas "two degrees" is specific.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "a couple of degrees"?

It is appropriate to use "a couple of degrees" when describing minor adjustments, differences, or variations in temperature, angles, or levels, where precise accuracy is not critical.