0
Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Can "a couple of weeks" mean as many as 4 or 5?
Three weeks ago, someone told me that he would see me again "in a couple of weeks." At the time, I thought he meant two weeks. I have thought about it a lot, and I was wondering what the maximum number of weeks, days, etc. could be in saying "a couple." Please let me know. Thank you.
Top answer
I would interpret "a couple of weeks" as "two to three weeks", Anon. However, most people use the expression precisely when they wish to remain vague. If the speaker stretches his "couple" to 4 or 5, there is very little chance of legal redress.
- I would interpret "a couple of weeks" as "two to three weeks", Anon.
- However, most people use the expression precisely when they wish to remain vague.
- If the speaker stretches his "couple" to 4 or 5, there is very little chance of legal redress.
- Best wishes, MrP
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
1 Answers
0
I would interpret "a couple of weeks" as "two to three weeks", Anon.
However, most people use the expression precisely when they wish to remain vague. If the speaker stretches his "couple" to 4 or 5, there is very little chance of legal redress.
Best wishes,
MrP
However, most people use the expression precisely when they wish to remain vague. If the speaker stretches his "couple" to 4 or 5, there is very little chance of legal redress.
Best wishes,
MrP
0
Related Questions