a couple of steps

USAGE SUMMARY

"a couple of steps" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a small number of actions or a short distance. For example: "I took a couple of steps away from the edge of the cliff."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It had dropped a couple of steps.

The New Yorker

We reached 92 weeks in a couple of steps.

The New York Times

"Here, you just take a couple of steps.

The New York Times

We took a couple of steps back tonight".

The New York Times - Sports

You move between civilisations in a couple of steps.

The Guardian - Travel

I followed them for a couple of steps.

The New Yorker

We hope that gives him a couple of steps up".

The New York Times - Sports

Now, it's like taking a couple of steps back.

The Guardian

Q. and push you back a couple of steps?

The New York Times

I tried a couple of steps, then a couple more.

The New Yorker

"Sometimes I have to take a couple of steps back.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a couple of steps" to describe literal physical movement, but also to indicate minor progress or a slight change in a situation. For instance, "The company took a couple of steps to improve customer service."

Common error

Avoid using "a couple of steps" when a more significant action or transformation has occurred. For example, it's inaccurate to say "The project is only a couple of steps from completion" if substantial work remains.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a couple of steps" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used adverbially or adjectivally to modify verbs or nouns by indicating distance or progress. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for describing physical movement or metaphorical advancement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a couple of steps" is a versatile phrase commonly used to describe limited physical movement or minor progress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it functions as a noun phrase indicating a small measure of change. When writing, use it to convey incremental advancement, but avoid using it when describing substantial transformations. Alternative phrases include "a few paces" or "slight improvement", depending on the desired nuance. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively incorporate "a couple of steps" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a step or two

A more literal alternative that refers to the act of taking "a couple of steps".

a few paces

Refers to moving a short distance, similar to taking "a couple of steps".

a brief advance

Implies a small amount of progress, mirroring the idea of moving forward "a couple of steps".

several strides

Suggests moving a short distance with slightly longer steps.

a small measure of progress

Conveys limited advancement, akin to taking "a couple of steps" towards a goal.

a slight improvement

Indicates a minor positive change, comparable to moving "a couple of steps" forward.

a slight move

Emphasizes the small nature of the motion.

a modest advance

Conveys a small improvement or progress.

a short walk

Emphasizes the brevity of the distance covered, similar to "a couple of steps".

minimal advancement

Highlights the limited nature of the progress made.

FAQs

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

You can use "a couple of steps" to describe literal movement, as in, "He took "a couple of steps" toward the door." It can also describe minor progress, such as, "The team made "a couple of steps" toward completing the project."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a few paces" for physical movement, or "slight improvement" for progress. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "a couple of steps" to describe abstract progress?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to use "a couple of steps" metaphorically to describe small or incremental progress in an abstract sense. For example, "The negotiation process has taken "a couple of steps" forward."

What's the difference between "a couple of steps" and "a series of steps"?

"A couple of steps" implies a small number of actions or a short distance, while "a series of steps" suggests a more complex or lengthy process involving multiple actions.