a couple of errors

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a couple of errors" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small number of mistakes or inaccuracies in a text or situation. Example: "After reviewing the document, I found a couple of errors that need to be corrected before submission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Panchanathan made a couple of errors.

The New York Times

A couple of errors crept into our special report on Vietnam (April 26th).

The Economist

We also point out a couple of errors in the literature.

Artificial Intelligence

A couple of errors to follow, then another decent serve levels it up at 30-all and a rally follows in which Tomic finds the net.

The Guardian - Sport

It's back to 40-30 thongh, on a couple of errors as Tomic continues to force the pace a bit on the ground.

The Guardian - Sport

They made a couple of errors, Jorge Posada made a horrendous base-running mistake and the bullpen turned a one-run deficit into a four-run crevice.

The New York Times - Sports

"They started enthusiastically, we didn't come out of the blocks as well as they did and there were a couple of errors from blokes you'd normally count on".

The Guardian - Sport

After the call, Roddick won two points but also committed a couple of errors and wound up being broken for the match.

The Guardian - Sport

We just made a couple of errors which they punished and they put their foot on our throat and it did for us".

The Guardian - Sport

United's start was sloppy with the right-back, Matteo Darmian, guilty of a couple of errors and he needed De Gea to bail him out.

The Guardian - Sport

And, yes, I did make a couple of errors, in each case because I thought the code should say what it doesn't say.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a couple of errors", be specific about the nature or impact of the errors if possible. This adds clarity and context to your writing.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of "a couple of errors". Using dramatic language can create a disproportionate sense of concern when the mistakes are minor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a couple of errors" functions as a determiner + noun phrase, modifying a statement to indicate the presence of a small number of mistakes. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a couple of errors" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate a small number of mistakes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's generally acceptable for formal writing, more precise language may sometimes be preferred. When using this phrase, consider the impact of the errors and avoid exaggeration. Alternatives like "a few mistakes" or "some inaccuracies" can provide subtle variations in meaning, depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two mistakes

More precise and literal, specifying the exact number of errors.

a few mistakes

Indicates a small quantity of mistakes, similar to "a couple of errors".

some inaccuracies

Focuses on the lack of precision or correctness, rather than just general mistakes.

a handful of errors

Implies a slightly larger quantity of errors compared to "a couple".

several lapses

Emphasizes brief failures in attention or judgment.

minor faults

Highlights that the mistakes are not significant or serious.

slight oversights

Suggests the errors were due to a lack of attention or carefulness.

occasional slip-ups

Implies that the errors are infrequent and unintentional.

isolated flaws

Focuses on the errors as being separate and not part of a larger pattern.

a brace of errors

A more formal or archaic way of saying "a couple of errors".

FAQs

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

You can use "a couple of errors" to indicate a small number of mistakes, for example: "The report contained "a couple of errors" in the calculations".

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

Alternatives include "a few mistakes", "some inaccuracies", or "minor faults", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a couple of errors" in formal writing?

Yes, "a couple of errors" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but more precise language like "two errors" or "several inaccuracies" might be preferred for enhanced clarity.

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

While both phrases indicate a small number of mistakes, "a couple of errors" typically refers to exactly two, whereas "a few errors" implies a slightly larger, undefined number (usually three or more).