couple of arguments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "couple of arguments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two or a few reasons or points in a discussion or debate. Example: "I have a couple of arguments to support my position on this issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

There's a couple of arguments against the idea that AI is coming soon.

The Washington Post

Now, there are at least a couple of arguments against this: first, the jokes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Apart from the fact that the new soft unionist vehicle is being launched on the anniversary of D Day, there are a couple of arguments you could make for this being potentially a decisive week in local politics.

BBC

The mainstream critics who have attacked Trump's action make a couple of arguments that entirely miss the deeper point.

HuffPost

In his chapter on the power of powerless communication, Adam explains that, "When Dave stammered and tripped over a couple of arguments, something strange happened.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In the bleachers, security pulled apart a couple of fierce arguments, fueled by beer and disappointment.

The New York Times - Sports

For a long time, the British Museum did have a couple of plausible arguments in its quiver.

The New York Times

We fast-forwarded past a couple of the arguments, some of the more disturbing scenes, but I think they liked it.

The Guardian - Film

The official said Mr. Clinton then put a couple of pointed arguments before Mr. Arafat: Wasn't this more important to his people than an inquiry?

The New York Times

And when I've talked to people who are close to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez or close to some of the organizations that have mobilized behind the Green New Deal, they make a couple of different arguments.

The New York Times

What Dawkins brings to this approach is a couple of fresh arguments — no mean achievement, considering how thoroughly these issues have been debated over the centuries — and a great deal of passion.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting a "couple of arguments", ensure each argument is well-supported with evidence and clear reasoning to strengthen your overall position.

Common error

Avoid using "couple of arguments" when more than two arguments are actually presented, as it can mislead the reader regarding the depth and breadth of your reasoning. It's better to specify "several arguments" or "many arguments" if more than two points are relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "couple of arguments" functions as a quantifier followed by a noun. It indicates a specific, small quantity (two) of arguments. Ludwig examples showcase its use in introducing supporting reasons or points in a discussion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "couple of arguments" is a grammatically sound and useful expression, though it's not overly common. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to introduce a limited number of supporting points, typically two, in a discussion or debate. Predominantly used in news and media, it maintains a neutral register. When deploying this phrase, ensure that the number of arguments aligns with your claim, and each point is well-supported to maximize the persuasiveness of your argument. Remember that while alternative phrases such as ""few arguments"" exist, precision in language enhances clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

few arguments

Emphasizes a small, unspecified number of arguments.

pair of arguments

Highlights the presence of two specific arguments.

several arguments

Suggests more than two arguments, but still a limited number.

handful of arguments

Implies a small, easily manageable number of arguments.

some arguments

Indicates an unspecified number of arguments exist.

a couple of points

Focuses on the specific points being made in an argument.

two main reasons

Highlights that there are two primary reasons supporting a claim.

a few reasons

Suggests more than two reasons, but not many.

several points

Emphasizes the presence of multiple key points.

two lines of reasoning

Highlights that there are two distinct approaches in the argument.

FAQs

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

You can use "couple of arguments" to introduce two points supporting a claim, as in, "I have a "couple of arguments" to support my proposal."

What's a good alternative to "couple of arguments"?

Alternatives include "few arguments", "pair of arguments", or "several arguments", depending on the desired level of precision and emphasis.

Is it correct to say "a couple arguments" instead of "couple of arguments"?

No, the correct phrase is ""couple of arguments"". Omitting "of" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

When is it appropriate to use "couple of arguments" versus "several arguments"?

"Couple of arguments" implies exactly two, while ""several arguments"" suggests more than two, but not a large number. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the number of arguments you are presenting.