a couple of fools

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a couple of fools" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to two people who are acting foolishly or in a silly manner. Example: "After watching their ridiculous antics, I couldn't help but think they were just a couple of fools."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

She plugged her phone into the speakers, and played a mournful country song: "Well, they ain't gonna make a movie about a couple of fools like us".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We're just a couple of stubborn old fools," said Rivers.

Los Angeles Times

By then, he'd already murdered a couple of guys, just fooling around.

The New Yorker

At once intensely intimate and lightheartedly casual, they may represent a sexual interlude or just a couple of modern people fooling around with the camera; either way, they make many other works in the exhibition seem lifelessly arty.

The New York Times - Arts

On Kickstarter, you have to fool a couple of thousand," says Mr Strickler.

The Economist

"The Zombulator will continue to wreak havoc," opined a worried Web site named the Motley Fool a couple of weeks ago, "as long as we pursue a Zombie Bank policy.

The New York Times - Magazine

A couple of these locations are April Fool's hoaxes, and I'm sure more than a few are deliberate false leads set up by the William and Catherine to throw off the press.

Huffington Post

I'm here because I've fooled a couple of these guys and because we've had great people on our bus all the way through and I'm looking forward to working with the great people here".

Huffington Post

If you don't, you might fool a couple of subs into giving you £10 here and there, however real findom, (where the big money is) cannot be manufactured".

Vice

If you don't, you might fool a couple of subs into giving you £10 [$14] here and there, however real findom, (where the big money is) cannot be manufactured".

Vice

According to Damon, the second letter said, "If by chance you didn't send us that letter and it was from George Clooney, please let him know that you've got to get up a little earlier in the day to fool a couple of girls like this.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a couple of fools", consider the audience and context to ensure the level of informality is appropriate. It's generally suitable for casual conversation but might be too informal for professional or academic writing.

Common error

Avoid using phrases like "a couple of fools" in formal writing or professional communication. Opt for more neutral or sophisticated language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a couple of fools" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a subject complement or object, describing two individuals perceived as foolish. Ludwig's examples indicate its use in describing people acting unwisely.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a couple of fools" is a grammatically sound, informal phrase used to describe two individuals acting foolishly. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides real-world examples, primarily from news and media sources. While effective in casual settings, it's advisable to use more formal language in professional contexts. Alternatives like "a pair of idiots" or "two silly people" can offer similar meanings with varying degrees of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pair of idiots

Replaces "fools" with a more direct term for unintelligent or unwise individuals.

two silly people

Uses a more general and less harsh description of foolish behavior.

a couple of simpletons

Substitutes "fools" with a term suggesting naivete or lack of sophistication.

two unwise individuals

Replaces "fools" with a more formal expression indicating poor judgment.

a couple of dopes

Uses a slang term for someone who is foolish or easily tricked.

a pair of nincompoops

Offers a humorous alternative to "fools", suggesting absurdity.

two blockheads

Replaces "fools" with a word suggesting a lack of intelligence.

a couple of twits

Uses a British English term for someone considered foolish or annoying.

a pair of imbeciles

Replaces "fools" with a more clinical term implying a lack of intelligence.

two chuckleheads

Offers a lighthearted and informal alternative, implying harmless foolishness.

FAQs

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

You can use "a couple of fools" to describe two people acting foolishly or unwisely. For example: "They looked like "a couple of fools" trying to fix the engine with no tools".

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

Alternatives include "a pair of idiots", "two silly people", or "a couple of simpletons", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is "a couple of fools" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a couple of fools" is grammatically correct. "Couple" functions as a collective noun, and "fools" is the plural noun being described.

What is the tone of "a couple of fools"?

The tone of "a couple of fools" is generally informal and can be mildly derogatory or humorous, depending on the context and intention. It's best suited for casual conversations or informal writing.