couple of players

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "couple of players" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small number of players, typically two or three, in a casual or informal context. Example: "During the game, a couple of players stood out with their exceptional skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A couple of players stopped.

The New York Times - Sports

A couple of players loped over.

The New Yorker

A couple of players have come close.

The New York Times - Sports

"A couple of players have contacted me.

Independent

Only a couple of players would qualify as stars.

The New York Times - Sports

The national team depends heavily on a couple of players.

The New York Times

Notes: The Lions lost a couple of players.

The New York Times - Sports

"At the end of the piece, there were just a couple of players left".

The New York Times - Arts

"Plus, a couple of players seriously injured at the beginning of the season.

The New York Times

"We believed we could do something special if we brought in a couple of players.

The New York Times - Sports

Or keep something and buy a couple of players better than what he had previously.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "couple of players" when you want to indicate a small, indefinite number of players, typically around two or three. It's suitable for informal contexts and general discussions about sports teams or games.

Common error

While "couple of players" is acceptable in many situations, avoid overusing it in formal or professional writing. Opt for more precise language such as "two players" or "a few players" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "couple of players" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. As shown by Ludwig AI, it typically identifies a small, indefinite number of individuals within a larger group, usually in a sporting context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "couple of players" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote a small number of players, typically two or three. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely found in news and media contexts and maintains a neutral register suitable for most general discussions. When writing in formal or technical settings, consider more precise alternatives. Always aim for clarity and appropriateness in your word choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

few players

Indicates a small, indefinite number of players, similar to "couple of players" but potentially more than two.

two or three players

More explicitly defines the quantity of players involved.

pair of players

Specifically refers to two players, emphasizing the duality.

small number of players

A more formal way of indicating a limited quantity of players.

handful of players

Suggests a slightly larger number, more than a couple, but still a small group.

select few players

Highlights that the players are chosen or distinct in some way.

some players

A more general term indicating an unspecified quantity of players.

limited number of players

Emphasizes the restricted quantity of players.

several players

Indicates more than a few players, implying a small group but not necessarily a pair.

certain players

Refers to specific, though unnamed, players from a larger group.

FAQs

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

You can use "couple of players" to refer to a small number of players in a team. For example, "A "couple of players" were injured during the match".

What are some alternatives to "couple of players"?

Alternatives include "few players", "pair of players", or "handful of players", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it more appropriate to say "couple of players" or "a few players"?

Both "couple of players" and "a few players" are acceptable. "Couple of players" typically implies two or three, while "a few players" suggests a slightly larger, less defined number. Choose based on the intended precision.

When should I avoid using "couple of players"?

Avoid using "couple of players" in highly formal or technical contexts where precise numbers are important. In such cases, opt for specific numbers or more formal alternatives such as "two players" or "several participants".