couple of stops

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "couple of stops" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of stops, typically in the context of travel or transportation. Example: "I need to make a couple of stops before heading home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

But before doing so, he made a couple of stops.

The New York Times

She continued, "It's only a couple of stops to where I am staying".

The New Yorker

The Los Angeles scandal lies only a couple of stops further down the slippery slope.

The New York Times

Mr. Lent and Mr. Candito admit they lose count after a couple of stops.

The New York Times

A couple of stops later a couple got on, obviously lost and having trouble understanding or speaking English.

The New York Times

Workers in Midtown might ride a couple of stops to Macy's to get some shopping done during a break.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

It has a couple of stop signs".

The New York Times

I spent a lot of time on the freeway, but I also traveled some back roads and slogged through a couple of stop-and-go city stints.

The New York Times

I never went back, save for a couple of stop-throughs to reminisce with old blazing buddies.

Vice

Joseph (27 saves) was forced to make a couple of tough stops in the second.

The New York Times - Sports

Shaky moments aside, Thompson made a couple of key stops to buoy the Reggae Boyz.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "couple of stops" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the mode of transportation. For example, specify "bus stops" or "train stops" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "couple of stops" when the exact number of stops is crucial. Instead, provide the precise number, especially in directions or instructions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "couple of stops" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the distance or duration of a journey. Ludwig provides several examples of its usage in sentences to indicate location or time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "couple of stops" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a short distance, usually in the context of public transportation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in news and media, as well as in informal conversations. When writing, ensure the context makes it clear that you're referring to transportation stops. For more precise directions, consider specifying the exact number of stops or using alternative phrases like "few stops" or "short distance".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

few stops

Uses a different quantifier to indicate a small number of stops.

two stops

Specifies the exact number of stops.

several stops

Indicates more than two stops, but still a limited number.

a couple of stations

Replaces "stops" with "stations" to clarify the context.

a handful of stops

Emphasizes a small, manageable number of stops.

a short distance

Focuses on the proximity rather than the specific number of stops.

a brief ride

Highlights the short duration of the journey.

a few blocks

Uses a different unit of distance to represent a short journey.

not far

Simplifies the phrase to indicate a close location.

nearby

Indicates that the destination is in close proximity.

FAQs

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

You can use "couple of stops" to indicate a short distance on public transportation. For example, "It's just a "couple of stops" on the subway".

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

You can use alternatives like "few stops", "several stops", or "short distance depending on the context".

Is it better to say "couple of stops" or "few stops"?

Both ""couple of stops"" and "few stops" are acceptable. "Couple" generally means two, while "few" implies a small, indefinite number, usually more than two. Choose the term that best represents the actual number of stops.

What does "couple of stops" mean?

"Couple of stops" means a short distance when traveling by public transportation, typically implying a small number of stops before reaching a destination.