couple of streets

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "couple of streets" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small number of streets, typically two, in a casual or conversational context. Example: "The restaurant is just a couple of streets away from my house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

He didn't travel far, just a couple of streets, and wasn't driving very quickly at all.

Independent

A couple of streets away is a place all the artists frequented, La Palette.

The Guardian - Travel

A couple of streets away, Marky mutters that another of his friends got killed round here.

The Guardian - Film

BlueBolt is a small outfit, based a couple of streets away from Framestore in London's Fitzrovia.

The Guardian - Film

"I went to his house, a couple of streets away, and I shouted at him," Cancio said.

The New Yorker

ReprintsA couple of streets away, municipal services are still run from the mayor's office, nominally part of the Kiev government.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

A couple of street vendors had set up on the sidewalk.

The New York Times

I followed her around a couple of street corners and then was like: what are you doing?

The Guardian

Friday night at the fights usually means rich guys at ringside watching a couple of street toughs battle it out.

The New York Times

After just missing a couple of street vendors, Mr Johnson rode into a cordoned-off section of promenade in front of the arch.

Independent

In Kevin Muscat and Frank Farina, Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC are coached by a couple of street-smart scrappers reared in the kill-or-be-killed wilds of the NSL.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "couple of streets" to indicate a short, easily walkable distance within a city or town.

Common error

Avoid using "couple of streets" as the sole directional information. Supplement with landmarks or specific street names to improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "couple of streets" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the distance or location. Ludwig provides numerous examples that show how it works in context, often answering questions like "where?" or "how far?".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "couple of streets" is a common and correct way to express a short distance. According to Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, but mainly appears in News & Media. When using this phrase, consider adding directional information for more clarity. Ludwig AI validates the good use of "couple of streets" and suggests some nice alternative if you need inspiration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

few streets away

Emphasizes a small, indefinite number of streets.

short distance away

Focuses on the proximity without specifying streets.

nearby streets

Highlights the closeness and street context.

within a few blocks

Uses blocks as the unit of distance instead of streets.

just around the corner

Indicates a very close, often unseen, location.

a block or two away

Specifies a small number of blocks, similar to streets.

not far from here

General statement of nearness, less specific.

close by

Simple and general indication of nearness.

in the vicinity

More formal way of saying nearby.

a stone's throw away

Idiomatic expression for very short distance.

FAQs

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

You can use "couple of streets" to indicate a short distance, like "The bakery is just a "couple of streets" from the station".

What's a less common way to say "couple of streets"?

Alternatives include "few streets away" or "short distance away", depending on the desired level of specificity.

Is it correct to say "a couple streets" instead of "couple of streets"?

While understandable, "a couple streets" is less formal and grammatically standard than ""couple of streets"". It's better to use the latter in formal writing.

When is it appropriate to use "couple of streets" instead of a more precise measurement?

Use ""couple of streets"" when a general sense of proximity is sufficient, and exact distances are not crucial. For precise navigation, provide specific street names or numerical distances.