couple of instructions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "couple of instructions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of instructions or guidelines that someone needs to follow. Example: "Before you start the project, I will give you a couple of instructions to ensure everything goes smoothly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"We had made two changes and it was just a couple of instructions," said Mourinho afterwards.

Independent

So it wasted a couple of instructions doing this, instead of just flat-out doing a 64-bit negation to begin with.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Another important point is that the burden of the built-in functions depends on the features of the LSI used to implement the NTF Divisionn generally needs a couple of instructions, but multiplication and addition usually need only one.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The chicken, perched on the shoulder of "The Mindy Project" star, squawked off a couple of instructions to the crew, then muttered, "My mom would be so proud of me... if she wasn't stew".

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

We recommend annotating such coupled sets of instructions using comments following the instructions.

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

Located conveniently next door to Ocean Club Resorts, the Club Med Turkoise resort offers a private diving course through the Seafari dive shop that requires a couple hours of instruction in the morning for three days.

Forbes

So she sends them to Stella Muponda, a teacher who quit her public school job last year, for a couple of hours of instruction a day.

The New York Times

(When told to go to half-court, Mr. Wyse replied, "What does that mean?") But after a couple of hours of instruction, like Mr. Mullin's emphasis that "all your power comes from your legs," the slim Mr. Wyse was landing shots and high-fiving everyone nearby.

The New York Times

In more typical alphabetic orthographies with transparent grapheme-phoneme correspondences, reading accuracy for short words and pseudowords approaches ceiling after a couple of months of instruction [24], [25].

Plosone

And if you do really have a cast who can only perform to an audience who've been given a couple of drinks and strict instructions to guffaw, then give it to them, but then take it away again before it gets to me.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"You can't compare a couple of hours of religious instruction after school with the half-day he gets every day, but what I like is that she is learning the language and pride in Israel".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "couple of instructions", ensure the context makes it clear that you are referring to a small and limited number of guidelines. For clarity, be prepared to provide specific instructions if necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "couple of instructions" when you actually have a long list or a complex set of directions. This can mislead the recipient and cause confusion. Be honest and be exhaustive in your guide.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "couple of instructions" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a small quantity of directives or guidelines. As Ludwig AI suggests, its usage is correct and understandable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "couple of instructions" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. While not overly frequent, it's suitable for various contexts to introduce a small set of directives. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies the limited number of guidelines you are referring to. If a more formal tone is required, consider alternatives like "few guidelines" or "brief directives". Always ensure that the number of instructions you have is small, or you will confuse the reader. The phrase appears mainly in News & Media, Scientific publications, and Academic sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

few instructions

Emphasizes a small, indefinite number of instructions, potentially less formal.

handful of instructions

Implies a small and easily manageable number of instructions.

pair of instructions

Specifically refers to two instructions, providing a more precise quantity.

brief guidelines

Highlights the conciseness and guiding nature of the instructions.

simple directives

Focuses on the ease and directness of the instructions.

several directions

Suggests a slightly larger, less specific number of instructions.

number of directions

Implies more quantity of directions

set of guidelines

Emphasizes the systematic and organized nature of the instructions.

batch of instructions

Highlights the instructions have something in common

bits of advice

Focuses on helpfulness to lead someone

FAQs

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

You can use "couple of instructions" to introduce a small set of guidelines. For example, "Before you start, let me give you a "couple of instructions"."

What's a more formal alternative to "couple of instructions"?

For a more formal tone, you could use "few guidelines" or "brief directives".

Is it appropriate to use "couple of instructions" in professional writing?

Yes, "couple of instructions" is suitable for professional writing when you want to convey that there are a small, manageable number of guidelines to follow. However, ensure that you explain what you mean by "couple of instructions" and be specific.

What's the difference between "couple of instructions" and "set of instructions"?

"Couple of instructions" implies a very small number, typically two or three. "Set of instructions" suggests a more comprehensive and organized collection of directions.