couple of us

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "couple of us" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a small number of people, usually two, in a casual or informal context. Example: "A couple of us are going to the movies later if you want to join."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Mr Cameron said he had called "a couple" of US senators earlier in the day to make the case against further economic penalties while talks are ongoing.

BBC

Alsop had received incomplete intelligence from the Air Force and a couple of US senators.

Huffington Post

"Couple of us had some shaky stomachs after that".

Independent

A couple of US Border Patrol agents assess the scene.

The Economist

There's just a couple of us here early.

The Guardian - Business

But George [Graham] frustrated a couple of us.

The Guardian - Sport

DINNER WITH LEGISLATORS We usually meet up, a couple of us, on Sunday night.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The coupling of US (584 kHz)/Fe SBA-15/H2O2 /Fe SBA-15/H2O2ture is reveated as a proomsing temperatureor wastewater treatment.

Applied Catalysis B: Environmental

A couple dozen of us would discuss problem after problem, arguing about solutions.

The New York Times

Incredibly inquisitive, they come within a couple of metres of us.

Independent

No one stopped us – until a couple of Aussies spotted us".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "couple of us" in informal contexts to refer to a small group of people, including yourself. It's suitable for casual conversations and informal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "couple of us" in formal writing or professional settings. Opt for more precise language, such as "a few of us" or "several members of our team" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "couple of us" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically quantifying a subset of a group that includes the speaker. It specifies a small number (usually two) from a larger group. Ludwig shows examples across varied sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "couple of us" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a small group that includes the speaker. Ludwig confirms its usage across various contexts, although its appropriateness varies with the level of formality. While perfectly acceptable in casual conversation and news articles, it may be less suitable for formal academic or business writing. Consider alternatives like "few of us" or "some of us" in more formal settings to maintain a professional tone. This review, and Ludwig's AI, highlight the importance of context in choosing the most appropriate language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

few of us

Indicates a small number, possibly more than two, from a group.

some of us

Refers to an unspecified number of people from a larger group.

pair of us

Specifically denotes two people including the speaker.

two of us

Directly states the quantity of people involved.

small number of us

Emphasizes the limited quantity of people.

handful of us

Implies a quantity that can be counted on one hand.

several of us

Indicates a number more than two, but not a large group.

a select few of us

Highlights that it's a few selected people that are implied

a couple of people among us

Places emphasis on the fact that those persons belong to the larger group, with a more elaborate phrasing

a minority of us

Stresses that there aren't a lot of people.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "few of us", "some of us", or "pair of us" depending on the context.

Is "couple of us" grammatically correct?

Yes, "couple of us" is grammatically correct and commonly used in spoken and written English, especially in informal contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "couple of us"?

It's appropriate to use "couple of us" in informal settings when referring to a small group of people that includes yourself. Avoid it in formal or professional writing.

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

"Couple of us" typically means two people, while "few of us" implies a small number, usually more than two but less than several. The choice depends on the actual number you're referring to.