reported a couple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reported a couple" is not correct and lacks clarity in written English.
It may be intended to convey that someone reported two items or instances, but it needs additional context to be fully understood. Example: "The journalist reported a couple of incidents that occurred last night."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Peruvian television reported a couple of hours later that Mr. Montesinos had been captured, news that opposition leaders celebrated.

The New York Times

For months, she reported, a couple upstairs made loud noises whenever she practiced -- dropping things on the floor, playing their music at full volume.

The New York Times

As I reported a couple of weeks ago, the paper's publisher issued an apology after the Chronicle published a front page headlined "The other face of football".

The Guardian

Newstalk's Breakfast show has lost 3,000 listeners, newspapers faithfully reported a couple of weeks ago when the latest Joint National Listenership Research (JNLR) survey came out.

The Times

North Korea's official news agency reported a couple of hours later that Pyongyang was "threatening" missile strikes near Guam, where the U.S. has several military bases.

The Washington Post

news was reported a couple of weeks ago, leaving the Guardian was not an easy choice, but this was a dream opportunity that was impossible to decline.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

We earlier reported a coupled increase of cytoplasmic p120ctn and Kaiso in vivo when primary tumors became invasive and formed metastases [23].

Plosone

Only when the Columbia was in orbit did the astronauts report a couple of technical problems.

The New York Times

Companies go private, they might add, precisely to avoid the pessimism and second-guessing that takes place when a firm reports a couple of subpar quarters.

The New York Times

Clergy should "immediately" report a couple to diocesan legal officers if they insist on having banns read rather than applying for a common licence under the guidance.

BBC

If that happens, I am told it will likely take place in the fall of 2004, after CellStar reports a couple of profitable quarters in the Asia-Pacific region.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure clarity by specifying what was reported. Instead of just saying "reported a couple", state "reported a couple of incidents" or "reported a couple of errors".

Common error

Avoid using "reported a couple" without specifying what the "couple" refers to. This can lead to confusion. Always provide context to ensure the reader understands what was reported.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reported a couple" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of conveying information about two unspecified things. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is not fully correct and needs additional context to improve understanding. It serves to introduce details that someone communicated or made known.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reported a couple" is a commonly used phrase to indicate that someone has conveyed information regarding two items or events. However, Ludwig AI deems it grammatically questionable due to its lack of clarity and need for additional context. While prevalent in news and media, it is essential to ensure the context is clear. For more formal or precise writing, consider using more specific language, such as "reported two incidents" or alternatives like "mentioned a few" or "stated a couple". Remember to always prioritize clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

detailed two instances

Replaces "reported a couple" with more specific wording for clarity.

noted two items

Replaces "reported a couple" with more precise and concise wording.

stated a couple

Substitutes "reported" with "stated", providing a more formal alternative.

mentioned a few

Replaces "reported" with "mentioned" and "couple" with "few", softening the tone.

related a couple

Substitutes "reported" with "related", indicating the telling of a story or account.

indicated a couple

Uses "indicated" instead of "reported", implying a less direct form of communication.

documented a pair

Replaces "reported" with "documented" and "couple" with "pair", shifting the focus to written records.

revealed a couple

Suggests that the information was previously hidden or unknown.

disclosed a couple

Implies the release of confidential information.

communicated two things

Uses "communicated" instead of "reported", broadening the scope of the interaction.

FAQs

How can I make "reported a couple" more specific?

To improve clarity, specify what was "reported a couple" of. For example, use "reported a couple of issues", "reported a couple of sightings", or "reported a couple of changes".

What are some alternatives to "reported a couple"?

Consider using phrases like "mentioned a few", "stated a couple", or "indicated a couple" depending on the context. You can also use more specific phrasing like "detailed two instances".

Is "reported a couple" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, the phrase "reported a couple" lacks clarity and can be grammatically ambiguous. It's better to specify what was reported. Ludwig AI suggests that this phrase is not entirely correct. If you're searching for a stronger alternative, use "reported two".

When is it appropriate to use "reported a couple"?

It's best to use "reported a couple" when the context is clear and the reader understands what the "couple" refers to. In more formal writing, consider using more precise language such as "reported two" or specifying the items that were reported.