couple of tours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "couple of tours" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two or a few tours, often in the context of travel or events. Example: "We enjoyed a couple of tours during our vacation, exploring the local culture and history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

I had to cancel a couple of tours from losing my voice back then.

The New York Times - Magazine

On the last couple of tours, Scialfa has been an intermittent presence.

The New Yorker

"My first couple of tours I was paying for my own kit.

The Guardian - Sport

Youth Against Settlements leads a couple of tours a week, while Breaking the Silence has tours almost daily.

The New Yorker

"It's about my mate Dean – we'd play football together, and he was on the first couple of tours.

The Guardian - Music

It's Larry's 60th and he has a walking stick but he's undeterred, running a couple of tours a year.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

At the far end of the riverfront's restaurant row, a couple of tour boats vie for visitors' attention.

The New York Times - Travel

I stopped in at a couple of tour operators in Cuzco and booked a trip using a credit card.

The New York Times - Travel

Just before Shadow Bay, where the glacier wall rears into sight, a couple of tour buses parked and spewed out a group of about 30 Italian and Dutch tourists eager to make the most of the photo opportunity.

The New York Times - Travel

"But I've played a couple of tour events and I don't think I need to change anything.

BBC

We did a couple of tours--one in '68, and the other in '80.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "couple of tours", ensure the context clearly indicates what type of tours you're referring to (e.g., historical tours, concert tours, sightseeing tours) for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "couple of tours" when a more specific term would provide better context. For example, instead of saying "the band did a couple of tours", specify "the band completed two international concert tours" for more precision.

Linguistic Context

"Couple of tours" functions as a determiner phrase followed by a noun, specifying a quantity of two tours. According to Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable phrase. It is often used to provide a general indication of the number of tours without needing to be more specific.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "couple of tours" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys the idea of participating in two tours. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and versatile across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it is important to consider using more specific terms for clarity when needed, mastering this phrase ensures accurate and effective communication. Remember to specify the type of tours to enhance clarity and context. With its neutral register, "couple of tours" fits seamlessly into both formal and informal conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pair of excursions

Replaces "tours" with "excursions", suggesting shorter, more recreational trips.

few sightseeing trips

Uses "sightseeing trips" to specify the purpose of the tours, implying tourist activities.

handful of expeditions

Substitutes "tours" with "expeditions", suggesting more adventurous and exploratory journeys.

several guided visits

Specifies "guided visits", emphasizing the presence of a guide during the tours.

number of organized trips

Replaces "couple" with "number" and specifies "organized trips", highlighting the structured nature of the tours.

two rounds of travel

Uses "rounds of travel" to broadly indicate travel experiences, potentially for leisure or work.

some tour dates

Focuses on specific dates within a tour schedule, often used in the context of events or performances.

limited trips

Emphasizes the small quantity of trips or tours.

short series of travels

Implies a brief duration and a connected sequence of travel experiences.

two scheduled itineraries

Highlights planned and structured travel plans, often for business or specialized purposes.

FAQs

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

You can use "couple of tours" to describe having gone on two tours. For example, "I've been on a "couple of tours" of Europe, and each one was amazing."

What are some alternatives to "couple of tours"?

Alternatives to "couple of tours" include "pair of excursions", "few sightseeing trips", or "handful of expeditions", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a couple tours" or "a couple of tours"?

The correct and more grammatically sound phrase is "a couple of tours". Omitting the word "of" is generally considered incorrect in this context.

What is the difference between "couple of tours" and "several tours"?

"Couple of tours" specifically refers to two tours, while "several tours" indicates more than two, but not a large number. The distinction lies in the numerical precision.