a couple steps

USAGE SUMMARY

'a couple steps' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to two or a few actions or steps that must be taken. For example, "I need to take a couple steps to get ready for the party tonight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

For a couple steps.

The New York Times - Sports

Yeah, and take a couple steps back.

The New Yorker

"It seems like the economy takes a couple steps forward and then a couple steps backward".

The New York Times

And then, after a couple steps, he was not.

The New York Times - Sports

You can start to do this with a couple steps.

Harvard Business Review

I also think that MIT goes a couple steps beyond just the education.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

In Midtown, a couple stepped out of a taxi after a ride from La Guardia Airport.

The New York Times

This was followed by a coupling step where molecules with pyrene groups were allowed to react with amines.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Oxidation of NADPH by oxidized glutathione was then recorded photometrically in a coupled step (λ=340 nm).

Antioxidants and Redox Signaling

In a coupling step, N-hydroxysuccinimide-activated Cy3 and Cy5 dyes (Amersham Bioscience) reacted specifically with the modified dUTPs in the cDNA, producing labelled probes.

BMC Cancer

She and I were on a crowded elevator when a young couple stepped on, carrying a freshly purchased Christmas tree.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing movement, consider the context to choose a more specific term than "steps", such as "paces" or "strides", if appropriate. This can provide a more vivid image for the reader.

Common error

While "couple" typically means two, it can also imply a small number, not necessarily limited to exactly two. Avoid insisting on a strict count of two when using the phrase in contexts where a few steps are meant, not only two steps.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a couple steps" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, describing the extent of movement or progress. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in both literal and figurative contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

14%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a couple steps" is a versatile and commonly used expression that quantifies movement or progress in a limited yet noticeable way. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct. Its usage spans various contexts, primarily in news, media, and general writing. It has a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, it's important to consider whether more specific terminology like "paces" or "strides" would enhance clarity or imagery. Overall, the phrase is safe and effective, and may be substituted with alternatives like a few paces if one desires.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few paces

Replaces "steps" with a synonym, "paces", maintaining the sense of short movements.

a couple of strides

Substitutes "steps" with "strides", suggesting slightly larger movements, but retains the meaning of a small quantity.

a couple of paces forward

Adds 'forward' to clarify the direction, suitable if direction is relevant.

two steps

Replaces "a couple" with the numeral "two", providing a more exact quantity.

several steps

Uses "several" to indicate more than just two, implying a slightly larger number of steps.

a couple of movements

Replaces "steps" with "movements", broadening the scope to include non-locomotive actions.

a couple of stages

Replaces "steps" with "stages", expanding the context to progress or process.

a couple of actions

Substitutes "steps" with "actions", generalizing to any type of action, not just physical steps.

a pair of steps

Replaces "a couple" with "a pair", maintaining the same quantity of two steps.

a handful of steps

Implies 'more than a couple, but still a small number of steps'.

FAQs

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

You can use "a couple steps" to describe physical movement, as in "He took "a couple steps" back to avoid the oncoming car", or to indicate progress, as in "The project is "a couple steps" closer to completion after today's meeting".

What are some alternatives to "a couple steps"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a few paces", "two steps", or "several steps".

Is it more appropriate to use "a couple of steps" or "a couple steps"?

Both phrases are grammatically acceptable. "A couple of steps" is generally considered more formal. However, ""a couple steps"" is commonly used and widely understood, especially in informal contexts.

What does "taking a couple steps back" mean in a figurative sense?

Figuratively, "taking "a couple steps" back" can mean reassessing a situation, reconsidering a decision, or temporarily retreating from an activity to gain a better perspective. It suggests a deliberate pause or change in approach.