We would say "Couple of" something or just "couple"? We would say: couple of something or just couple. For example: 1. He will off for a couple of days. 2. Drop me a couple lines. If both are right, w

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Nhan Le

We would say "Couple of" something or just "couple"? We would say: couple of something or just couple. For example: 1. He will off for a couple of days. 2. Drop me a couple lines. If both are right, when do we use "of" and when we don't use it? Thanks in advance

Mar 9, 2017 10:20 AM

Answers · 10

As Helen says, we always say 'a couple of + [plural noun]' in British English. A 'a couple' + [plural noun]' is used in American English, however. So while a GBE speaker would always say 'a couple of days', you might hear an AE speaker say simply 'a couple days'. My impression is that this is an informal variant. Perhaps a native AE speaker could confirm this?

March 9, 2017

Hello Nahn Le, We always say 'a couple of', (in British English) unless we are replying with a short answer . eg. "How many apples shall I buy?' "A couple, please" 'A couple of' is used as a quantity expression....'in a couple of days' Hope that helps.

March 9, 2017

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