couple of millions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "couple of millions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an approximate quantity of millions, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "The project is expected to cost a couple of millions, but we are still finalizing the budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"The cost will be in the couple of millions.

Independent

It's not like you have hundreds of millions, you have a couple of millions".

The Guardian - Music

The actual cost of the action is hard to pin down, airport police were quoted saying it was in the "couple of millions".

The Guardian

Just a few years ago, a couple of millions in capital could get a startup a working prototype.

TechCrunch

I'd be surprised if it doesn't top a couple of millions by the end of this weekend.

TechCrunch

RO: We get involved once a company has product market fit and is seeing a couple of millions of dollars in revenue.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Apart from her pianos - three Steinway grands, plus a couple of 18th-century instruments - she has few obvious indulgences.

The Guardian - Music

Compact, if conceptually substantial, it opens with a couple of 19th-century vases that embody the Arts and Crafts ethic of investing utilitarian objects with value through handwork and refined, nature-inspired imagery.

The Economist

"People come week after week," Jim Nanos, of Setauket, one of the regulars, said one evening during intermission in the parlor room, where a couple of 19th-century portraits gaze down on the performance area.

The New York Times

Timo Glock impressed in Canada and Jérôme d'Ambrosio had a couple of 14ths in the first half of the season Season high Even Virgin mechanics would scratch their heads to think of one Low point Canada, when their sound strategy was undone by the introduction of the safety car Key to next season Signing a deal with McLaren Applied Technologies for next season and the use of a better wind tunnel.

The Guardian - Sport

We're 10km/h, maybe 12, slower on the straight so losing a couple of 10ths on the back straight.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember that "couple" implies roughly two, so use this phrase only when the amount is approximately two million. For significantly larger amounts, use alternatives like "several million".

Common error

Avoid using "couple of millions" when referring to amounts significantly larger than two million. This can mislead the reader and reduce the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "couple of millions" functions as a quantifier, specifying an approximate quantity. It acts as a noun phrase indicating an amount, typically used to describe monetary value or other countable items in the millions, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "couple of millions" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate an approximate amount of around two million. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. Primarily found in news and media contexts, it serves to convey a general sense of magnitude without requiring precise figures. While acceptable, more formal contexts may benefit from alternatives like "a few million" or "several million" for improved clarity and precision. When you want to convey a range higher than two millions use "few million".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

few million

This alternative is more concise and directly indicates a small number of millions.

handful of millions

Implies a slightly smaller and more easily managed quantity of millions.

small number of millions

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the limited quantity.

several million

Indicates more than two, but still a relatively modest amount of millions.

millions range

Refers to the spectrum of amounts within the millions.

millions bracket

Suggests a category or range where the values are in the millions.

millions ballpark

Indicates an approximate value within the millions, used informally.

some millions

This alternative is less precise, suggesting an unspecified amount in the millions.

upwards of a million

Specifies that the quantity is at least a million, possibly more.

in the seven figures

Refers to an amount represented by seven digits, placing it in the millions.

FAQs

How do I use "couple of millions" in a sentence?

Use "couple of millions" to refer to an approximate amount of around two million, as in, "The project cost a "couple of millions" to complete".

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

You can use alternatives like "few million", "small number of millions", or "several million" depending on the context and the desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "couple million" instead of "couple of millions"?

While "couple million" might be understood in very informal contexts, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is ""couple of millions"", ensuring proper grammar and clarity.

What's the difference between "couple of millions" and "millions of"?

"Couple of millions" means approximately two million. "Millions of", on the other hand, refers to a large, indefinite quantity exceeding one million. For example, "millions of people" indicates a large number of people.