couple of rounds

USAGE SUMMARY

"couple of rounds" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a number of repetitions of a certain set of activities, for example: "We'll need to practice a couple of rounds of songs before the performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the last couple of rounds he got better".

The Guardian - Sport

The protesters made it through a couple of rounds of chants –- "What do we want?

The New York Times

"Couple of rounds here and there, had a really bad nine holes at Bay Hill.

The New York Times

Winning a couple of rounds at a French Open for us is good.

The Guardian - Sport

I got to play a couple of rounds at Askernish in December.

The New Yorker

I don't think it matters for Tiger the first couple of rounds, anyway.

The New York Times

Only a couple of rounds ago they were vying with Newcastle at the bottom.

The Guardian - Sport

In a couple of rounds, each donor was given both hard facts and gossip.

The New York Times - Science

Serve it on a couple of rounds of buttered sourdough toast.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"In the first couple of rounds, I stung him," Mosley said.

The New York Times - Sports

"In the first couple of rounds I was not playing well," Williams said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or activity that repeats a limited number of times, use "couple of rounds" to indicate that the repetition is brief and contained. For example, "We went through a couple of rounds of revisions before finalizing the document."

Common error

Avoid using "couple of rounds" when referring to a significantly large number of iterations. While "couple" implies two or a small number, using it for more than a few repetitions can be misleading. Instead, opt for "several rounds" or "many rounds" to accurately reflect the quantity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "couple of rounds" primarily functions as a quantifier, specifying a small, indefinite number of repetitions or instances of an activity or event. As Ludwig examples show, this can range from boxing matches to funding rounds for companies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sports

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "couple of rounds" is a common and acceptable expression used to indicate a small number of repetitions or instances, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as a quantifier, suggesting a limited scope or duration. While generally neutral in register, it is most frequently found in news, sports, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the quantity you intend to convey, avoiding its use when referring to large numbers. Alternatives include "few rounds" or "several rounds", depending on the specific context. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its versatility in describing anything from boxing matches to investment funding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

few rounds

Replaces "couple" with "few", indicating a small but indefinite number of rounds.

several rounds

Replaces "couple" with "several", suggesting more than a few but not many rounds.

a few iterations

Substitutes "rounds" with "iterations", focusing on the repetitive nature of a process.

a handful of sessions

Replaces "couple of rounds" with "a handful of sessions", emphasizing the number of sessions instead of rounds.

two stages

Replaces "couple of rounds" with "two stages", highlighting specific phases or steps in a process.

two bouts

Replaces "couple of rounds" with "two bouts", especially applicable in contexts like boxing or sports.

two stages

Using "two stages" to emphasize the distinct phases of a process, rather than repetitions.

number of attempts

Broadens the context to include any type of attempt or try, instead of specific rounds.

a small number of cycles

Replacing "couple" with a more descriptive phrase "a small number" focusing on repetition

several repetitions

Highlights the repetitive aspect, suitable when the focus is on the act of repeating something.

FAQs

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

You can use "couple of rounds" to describe a short series of actions or events, such as "The negotiations went through a "couple of rounds" before an agreement was reached" or "We played a "couple of rounds" of golf after work".

What are some alternatives to saying "couple of rounds"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "few rounds", "several rounds", or "a few iterations". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is "couple of rounds" formal or informal?

"Couple of rounds" is generally considered to be a neutral to slightly informal phrase. It's appropriate for most everyday conversations and writing, but may not be suitable for highly formal or academic contexts. In those cases, consider using a more precise term like "two iterations" or "several phases".

Can "couple of rounds" refer to physical rounds, like in ammunition?

Yes, "couple of rounds" can refer to ammunition in contexts involving firearms or military activities. For example, "He fired a "couple of rounds" at the target range."