couple of degrees

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'couple of degrees' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe an amount or number that is small, but not exactly specified. For example: "The temperature dropped a couple of degrees during the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Outdoor summer temperatures could also drop a couple of degrees.

The New York Times - Science

A couple of degrees hotter doesn't make that much difference.

The Guardian

People ask "What's a couple of degrees, Paul?" Well, when was the last time you were a couple of degrees warmer?

The Guardian

Turn those thermostats down a couple of degrees in the winter and up in the summer.

The New York Times

An extra couple of degrees might not do northern Europe any harm.

The Economist

"The moment he walks in the room, the temperature goes down a couple of degrees.

The Guardian

Mr. Fouquiau goes a couple of degrees darker, achieving a light chestnut color.

The New York Times - Food

Not because it was corked, but because it was a couple of degrees too warm.

The Guardian - Books

I did a couple of degrees in history, a B.A. and an M.A.

University of California, Berkeley

Once the bugs are unconscious, the temperature is lowered by another couple of degrees, which kills them.

The New Yorker

Dr. Veverka said the orientation of Tempel 1 turned out to be within a couple of degrees of the predictions.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing climate change or environmental impacts, use "couple of degrees" to illustrate the potential consequences of even small temperature shifts.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "couple of degrees" is always insignificant. In specific contexts, such as human body temperature or delicate ecosystems, even a small change can have substantial effects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "couple of degrees" functions as a quantifier specifying a small, indefinite amount, specifically referring to temperature or angular measurement. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is usable in written English to describe an amount or number that is small, but not exactly specified.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "couple of degrees" is a versatile expression used to denote a slight difference, most commonly in temperature. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for describing a small, unspecified quantity. While the phrase appears in a wide range of contexts from News & Media to Academia, its informality makes it most fitting for neutral or informal communications. It is important to recognize that a seemingly small change, such as a "couple of degrees", can have significant consequences depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few degrees difference

Substitutes "couple of" with "a few", implying a similar quantity.

a degree or two

More informal way of saying it. It directly mentions the unit of measurement.

small difference in temperature

Replaces "couple of" with "small difference", clarifying the meaning.

minor temperature variation

Emphasizes the small amount of change in temperature.

slight temperature change

Focuses specifically on the temperature aspect, omitting the quantification.

just a bit warmer/colder

Adds emphasis on the fact that the variation in temperature is minimal.

marginal temperature shift

Highlights the minimal or borderline nature of the temperature change.

a touch warmer/colder

An informal way of expressing a minor temperature difference.

slight change

More generic and does not focus specifically on temperature.

a small amount

Very general and requires context to understand the measurement refers to degrees.

FAQs

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

You can use "couple of degrees" to describe a small difference in temperature, as in, "The temperature dropped a "couple of degrees" overnight." It can also be used metaphorically to describe a slight change in a situation.

What phrases are similar to "couple of degrees"?

Alternatives include "a few degrees difference", "slight temperature change", or "minor temperature variation", depending on the context.

Is it acceptable to use "couple of degrees" in formal writing?

Yes, "couple of degrees" is generally acceptable in formal writing. However, for scientific or technical contexts, it might be more appropriate to use precise numerical values instead.

How significant is a "couple of degrees" in the context of climate change?

While it may seem small, a ""couple of degrees"" of global warming can have significant impacts on ecosystems, sea levels, and weather patterns.