a couple of substitutes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a couple of substitutes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two or a few alternative options or replacements for something. Example: "We have a couple of substitutes for the main ingredient if you're unable to find it at the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Mrs. McHenry counted six, but Gary Solomon, Princeton's national director for educational partnerships, insisted there had been only three, with a couple of substitutes.

The New York Times

IDS's usual team is playing a football match, but the opposition have turned up with 10 men, and since IDS has always rather liked them and his own side have a couple of substitutes spare, he is allowed to switch teams for the day.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

McManaman was included in the Uefa squad of the tournament, though Fowler made only a couple of substitute appearances because of the excellence of Alan Shearer and Sheringham.

The Guardian - Sport

Before this return - which had not been a foregone conclusion after Henson missed the tour to Argentina and made appear-ances for his region at fly-half and full-back - he had been limited in internationals this year to a couple of substitute outings, most unhappily in Ireland as a replacement during the first half for Stephen Jones.

Independent

The South suffered a blow when their South African fly-half and kicker Sias Ebherson was taken off on a stretcher moments after the North introduced a couple of illustrious substitutes in another World Cup winner, Will Greenwood, and Sean Long, the former St Helens rugby player who has been playing union of late for Preston Grasshoppers.

The Guardian - Sport

Albrighton had lost his place in the starting line-up but the two players still shared a joke and a warm embrace and within a couple of minutes, the substitute had added the fourth goal.

The Guardian - Sport

Too many atheists assume that a couple of insults will substitute for argument.

Huffington Post

A young English doctor spends a couple of months as a substitute for a country physician.

The New Yorker

A couple of minutes before, the substitute Danny Cipriani had tried to keep a move alive and instead ran into touch.

Independent

By V. S. Pritchett The New Yorker, September 5, 1953 P. 26 A young English doctor spends a couple of months as a substitute for a country physician.

The New Yorker

Sow had a couple of chances and the substitute Emmanuel Emenike drew a sharp last-minute save out of Szczesny but Giroud's penalty, after Kadlec's foul on Walcott, represented Arsenal's emphatic final word.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a couple of substitutes", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being replaced and why. For example: "We have a couple of substitutes for the main ingredient if you're unable to find it at the store."

Common error

Avoid using "a couple of substitutes" when referring to more than a small number of replacements. "A couple" typically means two, so using it for a larger quantity can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a couple of substitutes" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as an object or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI shows examples where it refers to alternative options or replacements, typically in situations where the primary choice is unavailable or insufficient.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a couple of substitutes" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as validated by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase, and, according to Ludwig AI, is most commonly found in News & Media contexts. It is best used to offer a small number of alternatives or replacements. While generally acceptable, consider more precise language in highly formal settings. When using the phrase, ensure that the number of substitutes you are referring to aligns with the implication that is only two.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two replacements

Focuses directly on the number and function, emphasizing the act of replacing.

a few stand-ins

Suggests a small number of temporary replacements.

several alternatives

Indicates more than two options are available.

a pair of alternates

Emphasizes that there are two options that can be used in place of the original.

some substitutes

A less specific number of replacements.

a handful of replacements

Implies a small, manageable number of replacements.

two backup options

Highlights the idea that these are secondary choices, to be used if needed.

a limited number of replacements

Suggests that the replacements are scarce or restricted.

a couple of backups

Similar to alternates, but more informal.

a few provisional options

Implies that the options are tentative or subject to change.

FAQs

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

You can use "a couple of substitutes" to indicate there are two replacements or alternatives available for something. For example, "Since we ran out of sugar, we can use "a couple of substitutes" like honey or maple syrup".

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "two replacements", "a few alternatives", or "some substitutes".

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

While "a couple of substitutes" is generally acceptable, in very formal contexts, consider using more precise language like "two alternatives" or "several replacements" to maintain a professional tone.

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

"A couple of substitutes" specifically implies two substitutes, whereas "a few substitutes" suggests a small number, typically more than two but less than several. The choice depends on the actual quantity.