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Anonymous Posted 19 years ago
Grammar
a couple of
There are a couple of girls waiting for you.
I just need to make a couple more calls.
You'll be all right in a couple of days.
"a couple of" means both "two" and "a few". How do you understand when it means "two" and when "a few".
I just need to make a couple more calls.
You'll be all right in a couple of days.
"a couple of" means both "two" and "a few". How do you understand when it means "two" and when "a few".
Top answer
If I heard "There are a couple girls" I would assume two. Someone telling me who is waiting should be able to tell the difference between two and three people. Someone who says "in a couple days" is probably making an estimate - I'd be willing to accept the "three" meaning because the person may not know exactly.
- If I heard "There are a couple girls" I would assume two.
- Someone telling me who is waiting should be able to tell the difference between two and three people.
- Someone who says "in a couple days" is probably making an estimate - I'd be willing to accept the "three" meaning because the person may not know exactly.
- " Try to stick with that.
- I'd be irritated if someone said "I have a couple calls to make" and that meant 4.
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3 Answers
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If I heard "There are a couple girls" I would assume two. Someone telling me who is waiting should be able to tell the difference between two and three people.
Someone who says "in a couple days" is probably making an estimate - I'd be willing to accept the "three" meaning because the person may not know exactly.
Generally, use "a couple" to mean "two." Try to stick with that. I'
Someone who says "in a couple days" is probably making an estimate - I'd be willing to accept the "three" meaning because the person may not know exactly.
Generally, use "a couple" to mean "two." Try to stick with that. I'
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AnonymousThere are a couple of girls waiting for you.Hi A
I just need to make a couple more calls.
You'll be all right in a couple of days.
"a couple of" means both "two" and "a few". How do you understand when it means "two" and when "a few".
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