couple of terminals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "couple of terminals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a small number of terminals, typically in a technical or computing context. Example: "We need to set up a couple of terminals for the new project in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Individual units may permit personal use of their computers, but some have only a couple of terminals for several hundred people.

The New York Times - Tech

This one, dubbed X-Force Command, however, is much more than a couple of terminals in a lab.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Zhang, Y.-Q. et al. Homo-coupling of terminal alkynes on a noble metal surface.

Nature

The finely engineered supported catalyst is employed in the aerobic oxidative coupling of terminal alkynes and click reaction using only 0.38 and 0.04 mol% catalyst, respectively.

Journal of Molecular Catalysis A: Chemical

On the main concourse, Jochym reoriented a couple of HappyOrNot terminals that had been moved out of position.

The New Yorker

In addition, these four mutants are temperature sensitive, in contrast to the couple of C-terminal mutants that are either low responsive or irreversibly inactive even at the permissive temperature.

Plosone

The counter has disappeared, replaced by a couple of people on terminals lurking behind a sort of low trellis – more friendly than bulletproof glass, but so open that the effect is disconcerting, and a bit weird.

Independent

Combining two molecules of thread 46 with macrocycle 47, followed by intermolecular oxidative coupling of the terminal alkynes of 46, afforded [2]catenane 48.

Angewandte Chemie - International Edition

At the same time the network-modular structure, the traces of evolution, is not so clear as the picture the analogy to engineering paints there are more than a couple of in- and output terminals.

Plosone

As an example of application of the theory, the buckling in space under terminal force and couple of nonlocal rods with one end clamped and the other one constrained to have the tangent parallel to the direction of the undeformed rod axis, is examined.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Two middle-aged men bring a couple of girls to the bus terminal.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "couple of terminals", ensure the context clearly indicates you are referring to a small, limited number of computing devices or access points. This phrase is most effective when the exact number isn't critical, but the small quantity is relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "couple of terminals" when you need to specify an exact number higher than two. While "couple" implies a small quantity, it strictly means two. For larger quantities, use "few", "several", or a specific number.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "couple of terminals" functions as a quantifier followed by a noun. It specifies a small quantity (two) of computing devices or access points. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "couple of terminals" is a grammatically correct way to refer to a small number (two) of computing devices. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While its frequency is relatively rare, its usage spans across various contexts, including news and scientific articles. When using "couple of terminals", ensure the context justifies the use of an unspecific term for the number 'two'. Alternatives like "few terminals" or "pair of terminals" may be more suitable depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

few terminals

Emphasizes a small quantity of terminals, similar to "couple of terminals".

pair of terminals

Specifically indicates two terminals, maintaining a precise meaning like "couple of terminals".

handful of terminals

Suggests a slightly larger, but still small, number of terminals.

several terminals

Indicates more than two terminals, implying a small to moderate quantity.

limited number of terminals

Focuses on the restriction in quantity of terminals available.

small set of terminals

Implies a collection of terminals that is not extensive.

two or three terminals

Provides a range for the number of terminals, offering more flexibility than "couple of terminals".

a small group of terminals

Emphasizes the group aspect while keeping the quantity small.

a few computer stations

Replaces "terminals" with a more general term, suitable for various contexts.

a limited set of workstations

Uses "workstations" as a more professional synonym for terminals, implying a controlled environment.

FAQs

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

You can use "couple of terminals" to refer to a small number of computing devices. For example, "We only have a "couple of terminals" available for testing the new software."

What's a good substitute for "couple of terminals"?

Alternatives include "few terminals", "pair of terminals" (if referring to exactly two), or "handful of terminals" depending on the specific context and desired level of precision.

Is it appropriate to use "couple of terminals" in a formal context?

Yes, "couple of terminals" can be used in formal contexts, especially when the exact number is not critical. However, in highly technical documentation, using a more precise term like "two terminals" might be preferred.

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

"Couple of terminals" specifically means two, whereas "few terminals" implies a small number, typically more than two but less than several. The choice depends on the intended level of specificity.