a couple terms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a couple terms" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression would be "a couple of terms." You can use it when referring to two or a few specific terms in a discussion or explanation. Example: "In this context, we will focus on a couple of terms that are essential for understanding the topic."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

We use a couple terms internally ("trails to cocktails", "camp to coffee") that define this idea of product supporting your average consumer through their entire week whether that's their workday or their weekend.

Forbes

It took many years and a couple terms, but Parker finally got an Equal Rights Ordinance passed for Houston in May of last year.

Vice

After you've been with someone long enough, you'll probably have your own "vocabulary" as a couple — terms, references, and jokes that only the two of you understand.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

A coupling term containing the fluid stresses is introduced within a thin shell mesh surrounding the solid surface.

Journal of Computational Physics

A coupling term in the final dynamic control law that emerges naturally out of the design procedure ensures stability of the resulting closed-loop system.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

A coupling term, occurring in the momentum equation, represents the fluid solid interaction and is modelled by comparison with the exact Navier Stokes equations.

Chemical Engineering Science

We propose a simplification to the potential energy PDEs through a particular parametrization of the closed-loop inertia matrix that appears as a coupling term with the inverse of the original inertia matrix.

European Journal of Control

Hong et al. derive a coupling term associated with differences in band structure.

Nanoscale Res Lett

In this model, q2wacts as a coupling term to couple particle temperature source to the fluid temperature equation.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Stator voltage is regulated by SSC to confine stator current to its reference with a coupled term including the rotor flux.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Rotor voltage is regulated by the RSC to confine rotor flux to its rated value with a coupled term including the stator current.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always include the preposition "of" after "a couple" when referring to multiple items, such as in the phrase "a couple of terms".

Common error

Avoid omitting the preposition "of" after "a couple" when referring to plural nouns. This omission leads to grammatically incorrect sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a couple terms" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun, intending to specify a small quantity of items labeled as "terms". However, without the preposition 'of', it's grammatically incomplete. Ludwig flags this as incorrect.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a couple terms" aims to denote a small number of items or concepts, it is grammatically incorrect due to the omission of the preposition "of". Ludwig's AI analysis underscores this point, advising the use of the correct phrase, "a couple of terms". Despite its presence in various contexts such as news, science, and academia, always remember to use the grammatically correct version in formal writing. For alternative expressions, consider "a few terms" or "several terms" to maintain clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A couple of terms

Corrected version with the missing preposition 'of'.

A few terms

Replaces "couple" with "few", indicating a small number without being specific.

Several terms

Uses "several" to suggest more than a few but still a limited quantity.

A pair of terms

Emphasizes that exactly two terms are being considered.

Some terms

A more general way to refer to an unspecified number of terms.

Two concepts

Substitutes "terms" with "concepts", focusing on abstract ideas.

A couple of notions

Uses "notions" in place of "terms", suggesting ideas or beliefs.

A few key phrases

Adds "key" and replaces "terms" with "phrases", emphasizing important expressions.

Selected vocabulary

Focuses on the choice of words and their specific usage.

Relevant terminology

Highlights the importance and appropriateness of the vocabulary used.

FAQs

What's the correct way to say "a couple terms"?

The grammatically correct way to say it is "a couple of terms". The preposition "of" is essential for correct grammar.

Is "a couple terms" ever acceptable?

While "a couple terms" might be used informally, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing. It's better to use "a couple of terms".

What can I use instead of "a couple of terms"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a few terms", "several terms", or "a pair of terms".

How does the use of "a couple of" affect the meaning?

Using "a couple of" specifies a small quantity, usually understood to mean two, though it can sometimes imply 'a few'. Omitting "of" makes the phrase grammatically incorrect.