couple of remarks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "couple of remarks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that you have a few comments or observations to share on a particular topic. Example: "I have a couple of remarks regarding the proposal that I would like to discuss during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

At Melbourne University's New News conference last Friday she made a couple of remarks which had to be hosed down at the weekend by her corporate minders.

The Guardian

I made a couple of remarks in a local paper saying that they would bottle it and it got back to Martin.

The Guardian - Sport

There are a couple of remarks of his in the book that he might have recognized, and that wouldn't have pleased him".

The New York Times - Books

Meanwhile, back in the real world, their respective camps were arguing about nothing else.Many blacks have taken objection to a couple of remarks that the Clintons made during the New Hampshire primary.

The Economist

pic.twitter.com/9DILucJCIf August 14, 2013 3.51am BST Some short remarks from me on #sexygate Just before I get to the lunchtime summary I want to make a couple of remarks about Fiona Scott's sex appeal.

The Guardian

Here are a couple of remarks, made by the directors in the pressbook, that suggest the unusual way the film was made: Josh: For the most part, we directed [the children] through Ronnie Bronstein…Ronnie picked them up at school, their actual school, and we waited for them in the apartment, ready to film.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Peter Sichrovsky, a Jewish leader in Mr. Haider's party, called them "a couple of stupid remarks that are constantly quoted".

The New York Times

A couple of concluding remarks are worth making.

IZA Journal of Migration

Yesterday, in the late hours of the evening, I had a couple of snide remarks spoken to me (in front of others, at that) ― enough to bring my blood to the boiling point.

Huffington Post

I have a couple of general remarks that the authors could address to improve their manuscript.

eLife

As I picked my way across the rooftops, noticing one of the streetlamps below me was on the blink, I heard a couple of guards remarking on how beautiful a golden mask in the window of a jewelry shop looked.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "couple of remarks" when you want to indicate that you have a small number of brief comments or observations to share, often in a formal or semi-formal setting.

Common error

Avoid using "couple of remarks" in extremely casual conversation. In very informal contexts, simpler phrases like "a few things" or "some thoughts" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "couple of remarks" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as a noun adjunct. It modifies another noun, typically introducing or preceding a set of comments or observations. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is used to introduce a limited amount of ideas.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "couple of remarks" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a small number of comments or observations. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is most prevalent in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. While versatile, consider more casual alternatives like "a few things" in informal conversations. Remember, the preposition "of" is essential for grammatical correctness. In conclusion, "couple of remarks" serves as a practical, concise indicator that a limited set of additional points will follow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

few comments

This alternative is more direct and concise.

several observations

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes the act of observing.

handful of comments

This alternative implies a slightly larger number of remarks than "couple".

number of observations

This alternative is more neutral and less colloquial.

small number of points

This alternative focuses on the content of the remarks as distinct points.

brief comments

This alternative emphasizes the brevity of the remarks.

some thoughts

This alternative is more informal and suggests a less structured set of remarks.

few points

This alternative focuses on the content of the remarks as distinct points.

brief notes

Suggests the remarks are written down, or at least very concise and prepared.

few words

This alternative emphasizes the conciseness and brevity of the remarks.

FAQs

How to use "couple of remarks" in a sentence?

You can use "couple of remarks" to introduce a few comments or observations you want to make. For example, "I have a "couple of remarks" regarding the proposal" or "Before we move on, I'd like to make a "couple of remarks" about the presentation".

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

You can use alternatives like "few comments", "several observations", or "handful of comments" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a couple remarks"?

No, it is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is "a "couple of remarks"", with the preposition "of" included.

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

"Couple of remarks" generally refers to exactly two remarks, while "few comments" implies a small number, but not necessarily just two. "Couple" is more specific.