a couple of failures

USAGE SUMMARY

"a couple of failures" is a valid and commonly used expression in written English.
You can use it when referring to two or more instances of failed attempts, unsuccessful actions, or unsuccessful experiences. For example: "Despite a couple of failures, she was determined to keep trying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

There have also been a couple of failures.

The New York Times

However Sinofsky also admitted to a couple of failures.

The Guardian - Tech

Comments 231 entries, almost no mistakes (a couple of failures to find FURAN).

The Guardian

They had a couple of failures and some guy brought in peanuts and people ate them and they had success.

The New York Times

"He has had a couple of failures in the last couple of Tests but you have to stick with these guys for a while and see how they go".

The Guardian - Sport

Whatever the reason, it was a decidedly low turn-out this month: only 181 entries, though with no mistakes apart from a couple of failures to complete the grid or slips of the pen (obviously wrong letters entered), inadvertent.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

A couple of minor failures of cadence – early on, and almost immediately recovered from – served only to remind the listener that all this was new to Black, and that she was good at it because it came naturally.

The Guardian - Opinion

He might not want to spend a year defending his title under further critical scrutiny from those who believe that his success was made possible only by a couple of engine failures on Hamilton's car.

The Guardian - Sport

The answer hinges on whether the sensibility and sophistication of "Matilda" will translate to American audiences — specifically the families and tourists who are the backbone of the billion-dollar Broadway industry, which depends on a handful of blockbuster shows to counter a couple of dozen failures each year.

The New York Times

(GP Partner) We recently had a couple of heart failure patients go through palliative care, end of life pathways, and it's been absolutely fantastic, the hospice and Macmillan, whatever, and I think it's a really new string to our bow, and a really sophisticated sensible thing to have as well.

BMJ Open

Forget them trying to overcome 108 years of failure, the Cubs can't even seem to handle a couple of innings of failure.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a couple of failures", ensure the context clearly indicates what specifically failed. Provide details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a couple of failures" when referring to more than two or three failures. If the number is significantly higher, consider using phrases like "several failures" or "many failures" to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a couple of failures" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to a limited number of unsuccessful attempts or outcomes. Ludwig AI indicates this is a common expression in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a couple of failures" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to denote a limited number of unsuccessful attempts or outcomes. As Ludwig confirms, it serves as a noun phrase, functioning as the object of a verb or preposition in a sentence. It maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for diverse communication contexts, including news, scientific discussions, and general conversation. While alternatives like ""a few failures"" or ""some failures"" exist, "a couple of failures" remains a common and versatile choice for expressing this concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few failures

Replaces "couple" with "few", indicating a slightly less precise number of failures.

some failures

Uses "some" to denote an unspecified number of failures, maintaining a similar meaning.

a pair of failures

Substitutes "couple" with "pair", emphasizing the two instances of failure.

a couple of setbacks

Replaces "failures" with "setbacks", softening the negative connotation while retaining the meaning of obstacles.

a handful of failures

Replaces "couple" with "handful", suggesting a small but noticeable number of failures.

two unsuccessful attempts

Rephrases the idea using "unsuccessful attempts", focusing on the actions taken rather than the result.

a couple of mistakes

Replaces "failures" with "mistakes", implying that the failures were unintentional errors.

a couple of errors

Replaces "failures" with "errors", suggesting inaccuracies or deviations from what is correct.

two flops

Uses the informal term "flops" to describe the failures, adding a colloquial tone.

two breakdowns

Replaces "failures" with "breakdowns", referring to a situation in which something has failed.

FAQs

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

You can use "a couple of failures" to describe situations where there have been two or a small number of unsuccessful attempts or outcomes. For example: "Despite "a couple of failures", the team remained optimistic."

What are some alternatives to saying "a couple of failures"?

Some alternatives include "a few failures", "some failures", or "a pair of failures", depending on the context and desired nuance.

Is it more formal to say "a couple of failures" or "two failures"?

"Two failures" is slightly more formal and precise, while "a couple of failures" is more conversational but equally acceptable in most contexts.

When should I use "a couple of setbacks" instead of "a couple of failures"?

Use "a couple of setbacks" when you want to soften the negative connotation and focus on the obstacles encountered rather than the complete lack of success.