couple of feet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "couple of feet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a small distance, typically when measuring or describing space. Example: "The dog ran a couple of feet away from its owner before stopping to sniff the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Beauty happens within a couple of feet.

The New Yorker

Harris was a couple of feet away.

The New York Times

His house is a couple of feet off the ground.

The New York Times

9.17am: Stricker splashes out to a couple of feet.

The Guardian - Sport

I threw a pie from a couple of feet away.

The Guardian

But he works it out to a couple of feet.

The Guardian - Sport

It's a couple of feet wide and Cameroon breathe again.

The Guardian - Sport

"On the beach, the corpses every couple of feet.

The New York Times

It stops a couple of feet shy of the hole.

The Guardian - Sport

When Holt was only a couple of feet away, Bonilla fired two shots.

The New Yorker

They can be more than six feet deep and only a couple of feet wide.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "couple of feet", ensure the context provides a clear reference point for the measurement. For instance, "The table was a "couple of feet" from the wall" gives more context than just "The table was a "couple of feet" away."

Common error

Avoid assuming "couple of feet" is an exact measurement. "Couple" implies an approximation (roughly two), so using it when precision is needed can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "couple of feet" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb by specifying distance. It describes how far away something is, providing spatial context. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show it commonly used to indicate proximity or separation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "couple of feet" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a short distance, generally understood to mean approximately two feet. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While acceptable in most situations, it's important to remember that "couple" implies an approximation, and more precise measurements should be used when accuracy is crucial. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "few feet" or "short distance" depending on the desired level of precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

few feet

Indicates a small, unspecified number of feet, similar to "couple of feet".

a pace or two

Uses paces as units of measurement, indicating very small distances.

short distance

General term for a brief spatial extent; less precise than "couple of feet".

small distance

Similar to "short distance", implying a limited spatial separation.

stone's throw

Idiomatic expression denoting a very short distance; more figurative.

close by

Indicates that something is near, but doesn't specify the exact distance.

within reach

Implies that something is close enough to be physically accessed.

near proximity

Formal way of saying something is close; less common in everyday speech.

close range

Often used in contexts involving shooting or observation, meaning a short distance.

within earshot

Specifically refers to a distance where sound can be heard.

FAQs

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

You can use "couple of feet" to describe a short distance between two objects or locations. For example: "The snake was only a "couple of feet" away", or "Move the chair back a "couple of feet" from the table".

What's a more precise alternative to "couple of feet"?

If you need a more precise measurement, use a specific number of feet, such as "two feet" or "24 inches". For general closeness, consider "short distance" or "nearby".

Is it appropriate to use "couple of feet" in formal writing?

While "couple of feet" is generally understood, it is more suitable for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise measurements or alternatives like "short distance" or specifying the exact measurement.

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

"Couple of feet" generally implies around two feet, whereas "few feet" suggests a small number, typically three to five feet. The choice depends on the level of approximation you want to convey.