what a couple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what a couple" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express admiration or surprise about a couple, often in a positive or affectionate context. Example: "Did you see them together at the party? What a couple they make!"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

What a couple!

The New York Times

What a couple of chips!

The Guardian - Sport

Who knows what a couple of puppies might accomplish.

The Guardian - Opinion

The average lifespan is, what, a couple of years?

The Guardian

"It's amazing what a couple of works have done for his fitness level.

The New York Times - Sports

What a couple of selfish dicks my wife and her new husband were.

The New Yorker

And now we have, what, a couple of thousand galleries and a couple of thousand collectors.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

What a handsome couple: Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt.

The Guardian - Film

What a handsome couple they were.

The New York Times - Health

What a dizzying couple of days.

The New York Times

'What a magnificent couple of games!

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase, consider the tone you wish to convey. While often positive, "what a couple" can also be used sarcastically or humorously, depending on the situation and your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "what a couple" in situations where it might be misconstrued as judgmental or critical. The phrase's tone can easily shift depending on the context, so ensure your intent is clear to prevent unintended offense or misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what a couple" functions as an exclamatory expression. It's used to convey a strong feeling or opinion about a pair of individuals, often expressing admiration, amusement, or sometimes irony. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what a couple" is a versatile exclamatory phrase used to express feelings about a pair of individuals, typically in a positive or amused way. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is both grammatically sound and commonly used. Its register leans towards informal, although it appears frequently in news and media. Be mindful of the context to ensure the intended tone is clear, avoiding potential misinterpretations. Remember to consider the wide array of contexts the phrase can be found in, from casual observations of romantic partners to professional colleagues, or even as a humorous reflection on a pair.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What a pair

Emphasizes the pairing or combination, often used interchangeably but can sometimes imply a more general association than romantic.

Such a couple

Highlights the characteristics or qualities of the couple, often implying admiration or a specific observation.

What a duo

Similar to "what a pair", but often used in professional or collaborative contexts.

They make a great couple

Directly expresses the positive compatibility and suitability of the couple.

Perfect together

Emphasizes the harmony and ideal match between the two individuals.

A match made in heaven

Suggests a divinely ordained or exceptionally fortunate pairing.

An item

Informal way of saying the pair is dating.

A lovely couple

Highlights the pleasant and agreeable nature of the couple.

A striking couple

Emphasizes the visually impressive or remarkable appearance of the couple.

A dynamic duo

Highlights the energy and synergy between the two individuals, typically in a professional or collaborative context.

FAQs

How can I use "what a couple" in a sentence?

"What a couple" is typically used as an exclamation to express admiration, amusement, or sometimes irony about a pair of people or things. For example, "Did you see them dancing? What a couple!"

What are some alternative phrases to "what a couple"?

You can use alternatives like "what a pair", "such a couple", or "they make a great couple" depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

It's appropriate to use "what a couple" when you want to express a positive or humorous observation about a pair, often implying a close relationship or striking compatibility. Be mindful of your tone, as it can also be used sarcastically.

Is "what a couple" formal or informal?

"What a couple" is generally considered an informal expression. While it can be used in news or media contexts, it is best suited for casual conversations and less formal writing. In professional settings, more direct and descriptive language may be preferable.