are a couple of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are a couple of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a small number of items or people, typically two, in a casual or informal context. Example: "There are a couple of options available for you to choose from."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here are a couple of bridge examples.

The New York Times

There are a couple of caveats, however.

The New York Times

There are a couple of examples.

Independent

There are a couple of obvious questions.

The New York Times

There are a couple of bright spots.

The Economist

Actually, there are a couple of complications.

The New York Times

There are a couple of options.

Independent

There are a couple of caveats.

The New York Times

But there are a couple of loopholes.

The Economist

But there are a couple of options.

The New York Times

There are a couple of potential reasons.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "two", "a few", or "a small number of".

Common error

While "are a couple of" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in formal reports, academic papers, or professional communications where more precise language is preferred. Opt for "two" or "a small number of" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are a couple of" functions as a determiner phrase indicating a small quantity, typically two. It modifies the following noun and is used to specify the number of items or entities. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

23%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are a couple of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that serves to indicate a small quantity, typically two. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most commonly found in news and media, academia, and scientific contexts. While generally acceptable, formal or scientific writing might benefit from more precise alternatives such as "two" or "a small number of". The phrase is suitable for casual communication but should be used judiciously in formal settings to maintain a professional tone. Related phrases include "are a few" and "are two", each with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are a few

Indicates a small, unspecified number, slightly less specific than "are a couple of".

are two

Directly specifies the number as two, removing the informal nuance.

are a pair of

Implies a matching or related set of two, suggesting a connection between the items.

are a small number of

More formal and less casual, suitable for professional contexts.

are some

A general term for an unspecified quantity, which could be more than two.

are a limited number of

Highlights the restriction in quantity.

are merely a couple of

Adds emphasis to the smallness of the number.

are only a couple of

Similar to 'merely', emphasizing the limitation.

there exist a couple of

More formal way of stating the existence of two items or options.

are approximately two

Indicates an estimated quantity, offering less precision.

FAQs

How can I use "are a couple of" in a sentence?

You can use "are a couple of" to indicate a small quantity, usually two. For example, "There "are a couple of reasons" why I prefer this method".

What phrases are similar to "are a couple of"?

Similar phrases include "are a few", "are two", or "are a pair of". The choice depends on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it correct to use "are a couple of" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "are a couple of" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's often better to use more precise language such as "two" or "a small number of".

What's the difference between "are a couple of" and "are a few"?

"Are a couple of" specifically suggests two, while "are a few" indicates a small number greater than two, but not many. The choice depends on the exact quantity you want to convey.