couple of dozen

USAGE SUMMARY

'couple of dozen' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an approximate quantity that is between twelve and twenty-four. For example, "We need to buy a couple of dozen apples for the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Make it "a couple of dozen".

The New York Times

A couple of dozen oysters.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A couple of dozen swan-dress Björks.

The Guardian - Music

Couple of dozen delegates were milling around, many talking French.

The New Yorker

NANCYFRANKLIN: A couple of dozen Beefeaters marching down the street.

The New Yorker

These days, there are a couple of dozen at most.

The New York Times

Go ahead and kill a couple of dozen Russians.

The Guardian - Film

Within a couple of dozen questions, he got Alan Turing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Maybe not millions — but at least a couple of dozen.

The New Yorker

Now, it gives us a couple of dozen per month.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Every few months, she said, she is given a couple of dozen condoms.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While widely applicable, it might be more appropriate to use a more precise number when accuracy is critical.

Common error

Avoid using vague quantifiers like "couple of dozen" excessively in formal writing where precise figures would lend more credibility. If the exact number is known, use it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "couple of dozen" functions as a quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate an approximate quantity. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, providing numerous examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "couple of dozen" is a commonly used quantifier phrase that means approximately 24 to 30. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it is advisable to use more precise numbers in formal settings where accuracy is essential. Consider using alternatives like "around two dozen" for similar meanings. Be cautious of overuse in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

around two dozen

Emphasizes the approximate nature of the quantity.

approximately two dozen

Similar to "around two dozen", highlighting the estimation.

about two dozen

Indicates an approximation, similar to "around" and "approximately".

roughly two dozen

Another way to express an estimated quantity.

some two dozen

Emphasizes the existence of that approximate quantity.

twenty-ish

More informal way to represent the same amount.

between twenty and thirty

Provides a broader range for the estimated quantity.

a score or two

Uses "score" (twenty) as a base, adding slight uncertainty.

a few dozen

Less specific, but still suggesting a small multiple of twelve.

dozens

Even less precise, simply indicating more than one dozen.

FAQs

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

You can use "couple of dozen" to describe an approximate quantity between 24 and 30. For example, "I bought a "couple of dozen" eggs at the store".

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

You can use alternatives like "around two dozen", "approximately two dozen", or "about two dozen" depending on the context.

Is "couple of dozen" a formal or informal expression?

"Couple of dozen" is generally considered an informal expression. In more formal contexts, it's often better to use a more precise number if available.

What does "couple of dozen" actually mean?

"Couple of dozen" typically refers to an approximate quantity of somewhere between 24 and 30. It is an estimation and not an exact figure.