an old couple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an old couple" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to two people who are in a romantic relationship and are advanced in age. Example: "The park was filled with laughter as an old couple strolled hand in hand, reminiscing about their youth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, he cautioned: "France and Britain are an old couple.

The Guardian

There's an old couple called Helen and Scott Nearing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Two tapering juxtaposed shapes appeared like an old couple.

The Guardian

The closets were packed with the clothes of an old couple.

The New York Times

At times, they can appear like an old couple ribbing each other about their idiosyncrasies.

The New York Times

Cousin Johnny & Cousin Annie, an old couple from the country, were visiting Henrietta & Edmund in Nashville.

The New Yorker

Up on the slope, an old couple pointed to the house.

The New York Times

More than 20 years later, they describe themselves as "like an old couple".

The New York Times

This was an old couple, standing together as night inexorably approached.

The New York Times - Arts

There was a black couple, an old couple, a white couple, a lesbian couple.

The New Yorker

I asked an old couple if that meant I'd won anything, but sadly not.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "an old couple", consider the context and choose synonyms like "elderly couple" or "senior couple" if a more respectful tone is desired. Ensure the description aligns with the overall tone of your writing.

Common error

Be mindful of portraying "an old couple" through stereotypes. Focus on their individual characteristics and stories rather than generalizing based on their age.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an old couple" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject or object in a sentence, referring to two people who are advanced in age and often in a romantic relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used and grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an old couple" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression in the English language. According to Ludwig AI, it serves as a noun phrase, primarily functioning to describe a pair of elderly individuals, often implying a long-term relationship. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to consider the context and opt for more respectful alternatives like "elderly couple" or "senior couple" when appropriate. Be mindful of avoiding stereotypes and focusing on individual characteristics. Ludwig's examples demonstrate the phrase's prevalence in news, media, and general contexts, highlighting its descriptive utility across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an elderly pair

Replaces 'old' with 'elderly', emphasizing age in a more formal way.

a senior couple

Uses 'senior' instead of 'old', providing a slightly more respectful tone.

a long-married couple

Focuses on the duration of the marriage rather than age directly.

a couple in their twilight years

Emphasizes the later stage of life, adding a poetic tone.

a pair of aged lovers

Highlights the romantic aspect with a focus on their advanced age.

an aging duo

Uses 'aging' and 'duo' as alternatives, slightly less common.

a couple of long standing

Highlights the duration of their relationship.

an established couple

Focuses on the stability and longevity of the relationship.

a twosome of elders

More formal and less common usage, replacing 'couple' with 'twosome'.

a weathered couple

Uses 'weathered' metaphorically to describe a couple who has aged together and experienced life's challenges.

FAQs

How can I use "an old couple" in a sentence?

You can use "an old couple" to describe two elderly people, often in a romantic relationship. For instance, "An old couple was sitting on the park bench, holding hands."

What are some alternatives to saying "an old couple"?

Consider using phrases like "an elderly couple", "a senior couple", or "a long-married couple", depending on the context and desired tone.

Is it respectful to use the term "an old couple"?

While generally acceptable, using terms like "an elderly couple" or "a senior couple" can sometimes be perceived as more respectful, especially in formal contexts.

What is the difference between "an old couple" and "an odd couple"?

"An old couple" refers to a pair of elderly individuals. "An odd couple", on the other hand, describes two people who are mismatched or incompatible, regardless of their age.