a couple of throws

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a couple of throws" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of throws, typically in a casual or informal context, such as in sports or games. Example: "After a couple of throws, I finally managed to hit the target."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"We had a couple of throws float on us today.

The New York Times - Sports

We didn't lose the game because we missed a couple of throws.

The New York Times - Sports

There's times when he made a couple of throws that were not good, and if he had set himself he probably would have thrown a little better".

The New York Times - Sports

He had a really good game, but he missed a couple of throws that I'm happy he missed because we have some things to work on instead of thinking everything is all good.

The New York Times - Sports

Clemens stepped and threw as he tossed the ball, jumped a bit to reach a couple of throws, moving like someone who does not have a serious groin muscle injury.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The Yankees really did not play that well tonight, stranding 12 runners, catcher Jorge Posada making a couple of throwing errors and Roger Clemens struggling to command his off-speed pitches.

The New York Times - Sports

But their trade for Glen Rice and a couple of throw-ins in a three-team deal Friday was less about fortifying rosters than it was a used-car sale between franchises that no longer wanted them.

The New York Times - Sports

A couple of throw pillows stand out against the silver frame, silver bedside table, gray carpet and gray walls.

Huffington Post

The Lions survived a scary couple of throws into their own line-out and settled down by throwing short to Martin Johnson.

The Guardian - Sport

"If they make a couple of free throws, we're talking about Miami.

The New York Times - Sports

With trainer Stan Conte by his side, Ellis then tried to make a couple of practice throws to first baseman Adrian Gonzalez.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing sports scenarios or physical activities, use "a couple of throws" to indicate a small number of attempts or actions, maintaining a casual and easily understandable tone.

Common error

Avoid using "a couple of throws" in formal writing or professional reports where a more precise quantification might be necessary. Opt for specific numbers or more formal terms like "two attempts" or "several iterations" for clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a couple of throws" functions as a noun phrase, where "a couple of" acts as a determiner specifying the quantity of the noun "throws". Ludwig AI analysis indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly found in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a couple of throws" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe two throwing actions, most commonly found in news and media contexts. While its casual tone makes it less suitable for formal writing, it serves well in describing sports scenarios or general physical activities. According to Ludwig AI, various authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian use this phrase effectively. When a more precise quantification is needed, alternatives such as "two throws" or "a pair of throws" may be considered. The usage patterns, as revealed by Ludwig AI, indicate its frequent application in news reporting and similar media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two throws

Replaces the indefinite article "a couple of" with the exact number, providing a more precise quantity.

a pair of throws

Substitutes "couple" with "pair", emphasizing the two throws as a set or unit.

a few throws

Replaces "couple" with "few", indicating a small but indefinite number greater than two.

several throws

Uses "several" to suggest a slightly larger, though still limited, number of throws.

two heaves

Replaces "throws" with "heaves", suggesting a more forceful or strained throwing action, while maintaining the quantity.

a couple of tosses

Uses "tosses" instead of "throws", implying a lighter, less forceful action.

a couple of chucks

Substitutes "throws" with "chucks", suggesting a casual or informal throwing motion.

a handful of throws

Emphasizes a small, manageable quantity of throws, implying ease or simplicity.

a limited number of throws

Replaces the concise "a couple of" with a more verbose phrase stressing the restricted quantity.

some throws

Offers a more generic alternative, suitable where the exact quantity is unimportant or unknown.

FAQs

What does "a couple of throws" mean?

The phrase "a couple of throws" refers to two instances of throwing something. It implies a small quantity of throwing actions, typically in a casual context.

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

You can use alternatives like "two throws", "a pair of throws", or "a few throws" depending on the context and desired level of precision.

Is it acceptable to use "a couple of throws" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a couple of throws" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise terms such as "two attempts" or "several iterations" for increased clarity and professionalism.

How does the meaning of "a couple of throws" differ from "several throws"?

"A couple of throws" specifically indicates two throwing actions, whereas "several throws" implies a small, indefinite number greater than two. The choice depends on whether you need to specify the exact quantity.