couple of bids

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "couple of bids" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of bids, typically in contexts related to auctions, proposals, or offers. Example: "We received a couple of bids for the project, and we will review them before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

A couple of bids saved the day.

The New York Times - Arts

It could not be used [on Monday], we made a couple of bids and were quoted extortionate figures.

Independent

We have had a couple of bids from one club which has been no where near the valuation of what he is worth in this market, so there is no change in that.

The Guardian - Sport

From subsequent assorted, mostly offbeat, offers of help he chose an invitation to share in a couple of bids for worn-out crocks at a second-hand car auction in Wiltshire.

The Guardian

"Norwich have made a couple of bids that have been turned down so I've done what I've done," Morison said.

BBC

"We've had a couple of bids that we have turned down for Liam," Pearson told BBC Radio Leicester.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Then, after a couple of control-bids (cue-bids) at the four-level, North-South stopped just in time at four hearts.

The New York Times

Manchester United are seemingly preparing to spend big yet again when the transfer window next opens, with the club being linked with a couple of huge bids.

Independent

Distributors were hardly running at Clarke waving chequebooks, and the film-maker received only a couple of viable bids for financing, eventually choosing Lionsgate.

The Guardian - Film

Gary Hooper showed the confidence and eye for goal that has attracted a couple of failed bids from Southampton with an audacious attempt to catch out St Mirren goalkeeper Craig Samson.

BBC

Mr. Bednar acted as his own Realtor in the transaction; he received his license in 2005, after getting burned in a couple of Montclair bidding wars and deciding he wanted inside information on the "comps" — listing and sales prices on comparable homes in a particular area — that only brokers and agents were privy to at the time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "couple of bids", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being bid on. Providing specifics enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "couple of bids" when more than two bids are involved, as it inaccurately represents the quantity and may mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "couple of bids" functions as a quantifier followed by a noun. It specifies a small quantity of offers or proposals in a competitive scenario. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is commonly found and acceptable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "couple of bids" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to describe a small number of offers or proposals. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is generally acceptable in written English, though less precise alternatives may be preferred depending on context. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to convey information about competitive situations in a neutral tone. When using this phrase, ensure the quantity is accurate and the context is clear to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few offers

Replaces "couple" with "few", slightly reducing the sense of precision but retaining the small quantity.

a pair of offers

Substitutes "couple" with "pair", emphasizing the two as a set rather than just a small number.

several proposals

Replaces "couple" with "several" and "bids" with "proposals", indicating a slightly larger and more formal set of offers.

two or three offers

Specifies an inexact range of offers, adding a degree of uncertainty.

multiple attempts

Shifts the focus from the bids themselves to the act of bidding, highlighting repeated efforts.

a handful of tenders

Replaces "couple" with "handful" and "bids" with "tenders", suggesting a small but noticeable number of formal submissions.

some expressions of interest

Rephrases the idea as initial indications of wanting to make a bid, rather than formal bids themselves.

a small number of solicitations

Replaces "bids" with a more formal term, "solicitations", implying a request for bids.

a limited number of submissions

Highlights the restricted quantity of submitted bids, emphasizing scarcity.

initial purchase requests

Shifts to purchase requests, focusing on the buyer's intent rather than the formal bidding process.

FAQs

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

You can use "couple of bids" to describe a small number of offers made, for example, "We received a "couple of bids" for the property, both of which were below the asking price".

What can I say instead of "couple of bids"?

Alternatives include "a few offers", "a pair of offers", or "several proposals", depending on the context.

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

While "a couple" can sometimes function as a noun adjunct, it's generally more grammatically correct and clearer to use ""couple of bids"" in formal writing. "A couple bids" might be acceptable in very informal contexts, but is less precise.

What is the difference between "couple of bids" and "multiple bids"?

"Couple of bids" implies exactly two, or at most, a very small number. "Multiple bids"/"many bids" suggest more than two, indicating a larger, less specific quantity.