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Usenet Posted 19 years ago
Usage
A couple of days
I have the following question - does "a couple of days" mean /exactly/ two days in any common usage (AmE in this instance)? The reason I'm asking is this: I had told a person (an American) that I'd do something in a couple of days, and then they were upset when it didn't happen on the second day. I had always assumed that "a couple of days" means anything from two to five days, and this seems to be confirmed by a query of dictionary.com. But on the other hand, I had assumed that "fortnight" is /approximately/ two weeks, while apparently it means exactly 14 days (again by dictionary.com).
So, did the native speaker have a reason to be upset, or it's just linguistic ignorance on their part?
So, did the native speaker have a reason to be upset, or it's just linguistic ignorance on their part?
Top answer
[nq:1]I have the following question - does "a couple of days" mean /exactly/ two days in any common usage (AmE ... com). [/nq] The native speaker needs a bit of instruction in their own language.
- [nq:1]I have the following question - does "a couple of days" mean /exactly/ two days in any common usage (AmE ...
- com).
- [/nq] The native speaker needs a bit of instruction in their own language.
- Use of "couple" to mean a small number greater than two is common and idiomatic.
- It's used mostly in contexts where the speaker would have used "two" instead if "exactly two" was meant.
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26 Answers
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[nq:1]I have the following question - does "a couple of days" mean /exactly/ two days in any common usage (AmE ... dictionary.com). So, did the native speaker have a reason to be upset, or it's just linguistic ignorance on their part?[/nq]
The native speaker needs a bit of instruction in their own language. Use of "couple" to mean a small number greater than two is common and idiomatic. It's u
The native speaker needs a bit of instruction in their own language. Use of "couple" to mean a small number greater than two is common and idiomatic. It's u
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[nq:1]I have the following question - does "a couple of days" mean /exactly/ two days in any common usage (AmE ... dictionary.com). So, did the native speaker have a reason to be upset, or it's just linguistic ignorance on their part?[/nq]
It would be normal to assume 'a couple of' is rather less precise than 'two'. It is effectively saying that you're not really sure how long but it will be i
It would be normal to assume 'a couple of' is rather less precise than 'two'. It is effectively saying that you're not really sure how long but it will be i
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[nq:1]I have the following question - does "a couple of days" mean /exactly/ two days in any common usage (AmE ... dictionary.com). So, did the native speaker have a reason to be upset, or it's just linguistic ignorance on their part?[/nq]
Use few next time. The fault is yours.
Use few next time. The fault is yours.
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[nq:1]I have the following question - does "a couple of days" mean /exactly/ two days in any common usage (AmE ... dictionary.com). So, did the native speaker have a reason to be upset, or it's just linguistic ignorance on their part?[/nq]
To me, "a couple" is two, "a few" is three or more. But even a few days shouldn't turn into five, any more than "a couple co-working" coming to dinner shoul
To me, "a couple" is two, "a few" is three or more. But even a few days shouldn't turn into five, any more than "a couple co-working" coming to dinner shoul
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[nq:2]I have the following question - does "a couple of ... be upset, or it's just linguistic ignorance on their part?[/nq]
[nq:1]To me, "a couple" is two, "a few" is three or more. But even a few days shouldn't turn into five, any more than "a couple co-working" coming to dinner shouldn't turn into five. JOE[/nq]
But bob says using "a couple" can mean any amount the user wants. Words need
[nq:1]To me, "a couple" is two, "a few" is three or more. But even a few days shouldn't turn into five, any more than "a couple co-working" coming to dinner shouldn't turn into five. JOE[/nq]
But bob says using "a couple" can mean any amount the user wants. Words need
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[nq:2]To me, "a couple" is two, "a few" is three ... couple co-working" coming to dinner shouldn't turn into five. JOE[/nq]
[nq:1]But bob says using "a couple" can mean any amount the user wants.[/nq]
False! No sane native English speaker says that. What dictionaries say, and what I reported, is that "a couple" can mean a small number greater than two. I posted links to no fewer than five
[nq:1]But bob says using "a couple" can mean any amount the user wants.[/nq]
False! No sane native English speaker says that. What dictionaries say, and what I reported, is that "a couple" can mean a small number greater than two. I posted links to no fewer than five
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It seems there was a lack of agreement with our OP and his listener. Go to work bob and ask your collegues how many a couple means.
[nq:2]So if he means a week when he says couple they the other party is wrongwhen they think the actual meaning was in play.[/nq]
[nq:1]"Actual meaning" is a slippery concept. In proper context, the "actual meaning" of "a couple" is "a small number larger than
[nq:2]So if he means a week when he says couple they the other party is wrongwhen they think the actual meaning was in play.[/nq]
[nq:1]"Actual meaning" is a slippery concept. In proper context, the "actual meaning" of "a couple" is "a small number larger than
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Gotcha! This is exactly what annoys me Bob. Conventionalism is not the modus operandi of how language works. Your arguments are too heavy-handed without recognizing the problematic aspects.
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[nq:2]They mean what many, many users agree they mean, and ... of usage, we're all one great big aggregate Humpty Dumpty.[/nq]
[nq:1]Gotcha! This is exactly what annoys me Bob. Conventionalism is not the modus operandi of how language works. Your arguments are too heavy-handed without recognizing the problematic aspects.[/nq]
Couldn't find the door, Joanne? I thought you were leavin
[nq:1]Gotcha! This is exactly what annoys me Bob. Conventionalism is not the modus operandi of how language works. Your arguments are too heavy-handed without recognizing the problematic aspects.[/nq]
Couldn't find the door, Joanne? I thought you were leavin
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[nq:2]Gotcha! This is exactly what annoys me Bob. Conventionalism is ... works. Your arguments are too heavy-handedwithout recognizing the problematic aspects.[/nq]
[nq:1]Couldn't find the door, Joanne? I thought you were leaving. Your comments make no sense to me, and I'll spare you a rebuttal. you Bob[/nq]
Of all your unappealing traits your arrogance is the worst.
[nq:1]Couldn't find the door, Joanne? I thought you were leaving. Your comments make no sense to me, and I'll spare you a rebuttal. you Bob[/nq]
Of all your unappealing traits your arrogance is the worst.
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