a couple of

Thân thiện

A couple of children are flying a kite in the park.

Definition

1. Determiner/Quantifier: An indefinite small number; more than one but not many. It often means approximately two, but can sometimes be used more loosely to mean a small number greater than one.

Usage

• "A couple of" is used before a plural noun to indicate a small, indefinite quantity. It is less formal than "two" and implies an approximate number.
• It is commonly used in both spoken and written English.
• The phrase "a couple of" is often reduced in casual speech to sound like "a couple-a" or even "a coupla."

Examples

• Basic Usage:
  • I need to buy a couple of apples. (Implies roughly two apples.)
  • She'll be here in a couple of minutes. (Implies a short time, not necessarily exactly 120 seconds.)
  • We visited a couple of museums while we were in the city. (Implies a small number, perhaps two or three.)

Advanced Usage

• Informal Loosening of Meaning: In very informal contexts, "a couple of" can be used to mean "a few" or "several," slightly more than two.
  • I'll be gone for a couple of days. (This could mean two, three, or even four days depending on context.)
• Contrast with "a couple": Without "of," the word "couple" alone can mean two people in a romantic relationship (e.g., ). The phrase "a couple of" specifically functions as a quantifier.

Variants and Related Words

• Couple (noun): Two individuals of the same sort considered together, often a romantic pair.
  • They are a lovely couple.
• A few: Similar to "a couple of" but generally suggests a small number, potentially three or more. It is slightly more indefinite.
• Several: More than two but not many; typically implies a number greater than what "a couple of" suggests.

Synonyms

• A few
• Two or three
• A small number of
• A handful of

Related Phrases

• A couple more: An additional small number (approximately two).
  • We have room for a couple more guests.
• In a couple of shakes (idiom, informal): Very soon.
  • I'll be ready in a couple of shakes.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. more than one but indefinitely small in number
   • a few roses
   • a couple of roses

Từ đồng nghĩa

• a few
• a couple of