approached the couple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "approached the couple" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone moving closer to or initiating contact with a couple, often in a social or narrative context. Example: "As the sun began to set, she approached the couple sitting on the bench to ask for directions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

He approached the couple.

The New York Times

As the crowd dispersed, I approached the couple.

The New Yorker

A shoeshine man approached the couple and relentlessly hawked his services.

The New York Times

As the baby's birth approached, the couple took the house off the market.

The New York Times

"Well, well, well, haven't you been keeping good company," Mr Bush told Mr Bernier when he approached the couple.

Independent

Two officers in an unmarked car approached the couple, and Lt. Mike Kelly, who was in the passenger seat, got out to confront Mr. Hosendove.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Much of what happened makes for depressing reading: the woman who complained about their same-sex hand holding, the guard's decision to approach the couple and, of course, the impact on the two men involved.

The Guardian - Arts

Azalea then approaches the couple and hands them the menu.

Wikipedia

On occasion, Theimer will approach the couple afterward to ask if they'd like a copy of the photo.

Huffington Post

In a video posted to Twitter on Tuesday by someone involved with the confrontation, a group of people can be seen approaching the couple as they leave an event at Georgetown and head into a car. .

Huffington Post

As Shirley approached, the young couple quietly walked away, occasionally looking back to remember. .

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "approached the couple" when you want to describe someone moving closer to or initiating contact with two people who are together. This phrase is suitable for narrative contexts where you are setting a scene or describing actions.

Common error

Avoid using "approached the couple" when a more specific verb better conveys the intent or manner of approach, such as "confronted" for a hostile approach or "greeted" for a friendly one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "approached the couple" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating an action performed by a subject towards a specific group. It describes the act of moving closer to and potentially interacting with two individuals who are together. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

18%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "approached the couple" is a grammatically sound and versatile verb phrase used to describe someone moving closer to and potentially interacting with two people together. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in a range of contexts, particularly in news and media. While various alternatives exist, such as "went up to the couple" or "walked over to the couple", the best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember to consider the intent and manner of the approach when selecting the most appropriate verb. Avoiding vague verbs can improve your writing. All in all, the phrase is quite common and useful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

went up to the couple

Replaces "approached" with a more informal verb, slightly altering the tone.

walked over to the couple

Specifies the mode of movement, adding detail to the action.

came up to the couple

Uses a phrasal verb to convey the approach, maintaining a similar level of formality.

advanced toward the couple

Employs a more formal and deliberate verb, changing the nuance of the action.

moved closer to the couple

Focuses on the change in distance, emphasizing proximity.

made their way to the couple

Suggests a journey or effort in reaching the couple.

intercepted the couple

Implies a more purposeful or strategic meeting.

greeted the couple

Shifts the focus to the interaction after the approach.

confronted the couple

Indicates a potentially hostile or challenging approach.

accosted the couple

Suggests a sudden and aggressive approach, altering the context significantly.

FAQs

What does "approached the couple" mean?

The phrase "approached the couple" means someone moved closer to and initiated contact or interaction with two people who are together.

What can I say instead of "approached the couple"?

You can use alternatives like "went up to the couple", "walked over to the couple", or "came up to the couple" depending on the context.

Is "approached the couple" formal or informal?

"Approached the couple" is generally considered a neutral phrase, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The specific situation will dictate the most appropriate wording.

How to use "approached the couple" in a sentence?

You can use "approached the couple" in a sentence like, "As they sat down, a waiter "came up to the couple" to take their order."