couple of notes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "couple of notes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of notes or comments, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "I have a couple of notes regarding the presentation that I would like to discuss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

So, a couple of notes.

The New York Times

A couple of notes on the data.

The Economist

LaBute spoke up: "I have a couple of notes".

The New York Times - Magazine

A couple of notes of caution are in order, though.

The New Yorker

But I thought I'd break from economics with a couple of notes on my stuff.

The New York Times

A couple of notes about the data: Editor & Publisher surveyed daily newspapers only.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Each generation seems to have at least one music-acting power couple of note and Mr. Antonoff and his current girlfriend, Lena Dunham of "Girls," appear to have taken that spot for the millennials.

The New York Times

There aren't many big tourist attractions in the city, but a couple of note are the zoological gardens, with hundreds of animals, including rare wallabies and white tigers, and the water park.

Forbes

A couple of consumer notes.

The New York Times - Arts

Then a couple of £10 notes.

The Guardian - Music

There were a couple of false notes among the appetizers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "couple of notes" to introduce a brief list of supplementary points, clarifications, or observations within a larger discussion or piece of writing. It's best suited for informal and semi-formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "couple of notes" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "several points" or "a few observations" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "couple of notes" functions as an introductory phrase. It typically precedes a list or explanation of additional points, comments, or observations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is a standard and accepted way to introduce supplementary information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "couple of notes" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce additional information or comments, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's primarily used in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both informal and semi-formal writing. While versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic contexts, opting for more precise alternatives like "several points" or "a few observations". When used appropriately, "couple of notes" effectively signals the addition of supplementary information, enhancing clarity and understanding. Top sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker exemplify its widespread use and acceptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a few remarks

Replaces "notes" with "remarks", implying a slightly more formal or considered statement.

several points

Substitutes "couple" with "several", indicating a slightly larger number of items.

a handful of observations

Replaces "couple" with "handful", suggesting a small but noticeable number of points.

some brief comments

Uses "comments" instead of "notes", indicating spoken or written opinions, and adds "brief" to emphasize conciseness.

a number of things to mention

Rephrases the entire expression to focus on the act of mentioning, rather than the notes themselves.

some quick thoughts

Replaces "notes" with "thoughts", making it more casual, and adds "quick" to suggest spontaneity.

a few things to add

Focuses on the act of adding information, rather than the form it takes.

two observations

More direct and specific, limiting the number to exactly two points.

a couple of items

Replaces "notes" with the more general term "items", useful when the specific nature of the points is less important.

several considerations

Replaces "notes" with "considerations", useful when the focus is on a list of factors to be taken into account.

FAQs

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

You can use "couple of notes" to introduce additional points or comments. For example, "I have a "couple of notes" on the presentation I'd like to share."

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

You can use alternatives like "a few remarks", "several points", or "some brief comments" depending on the context.

Is "couple of notes" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, ""couple of notes"" is generally more suitable for informal or semi-formal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "several observations".

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

The phrases ""couple of notes"" and "a few notes" are largely interchangeable. However, "couple" implies exactly two, while "a few" suggests a small, indefinite number (typically 3-5). In practice, they're often used synonymously.