couple
A1Neutral to informal (when meaning 'a few'). Formal in legal/technical contexts for pairing.
Definition
Meaning
Two people or things of the same kind considered together, especially a pair who are married, in a romantic relationship, or closely associated.
A small indefinite number, typically more than two but not many; to join or link two things together.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, it can denote a precise pair (two) or an indefinite small number (a few). The verb form means to connect or associate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In BrE, 'a couple of' is more strictly used for 'two'. In AmE, it's more commonly used loosely for 'a few' (e.g., 'a couple of minutes' meaning several). The verb form is used similarly.
Connotations
Similar connotations for romantic pairs. The indefinite use ('a couple of') is slightly more informal in BrE.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties. The indefinite use is more frequent in spoken AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
couple A with Bcouple togethera couple of [plural noun]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a couple of sandwiches short of a picnic”
- “couple up”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in phrases like 'a couple of issues' or 'couple the strategy with marketing'.
Academic
Used precisely for two linked items (e.g., 'the coupled equations') or loosely for a small sample.
Everyday
Extremely common for relationships and indefinite small quantities.
Technical
In engineering/physics: to connect systems so they interact (e.g., 'coupled oscillators').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The train carriages were coupled together.
- Success is often coupled with hard work.
American English
- The trailer couples to the truck hitch.
- The study couples economic data with survey results.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not commonly used as a standalone adjective.
American English
- Not commonly used as a standalone adjective.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a couple of friends.
- They are a nice couple.
- We need to wait a couple of minutes.
- The couple decided to buy a house.
- The two problems are closely coupled.
- A couple of the participants dropped out.
- The research couples quantitative analysis with ethnographic fieldwork.
- They are an oddly matched couple, yet their partnership thrives.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a wedding 'couple' drinking from a 'cup' together – a couple shares a cup.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOGETHERNESS IS PHYSICAL LINKAGE (e.g., 'coupled with', 'decouple').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'a couple of' as 'пара' when it means 'a few' (use 'несколько').
- The verb 'to couple' is not 'соединять' in all contexts; it implies a specific, often functional, link.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'couple' without 'of' (e.g., 'I saw couple people' – incorrect).
- Using a singular verb with 'a couple' as subject (e.g., 'A couple was...' – often 'were' is correct as it's a plural concept).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'couple' correctly as a verb?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, in informal use, especially in AmE, 'a couple of' can mean 'a few' or a small number more than two.
Usually 'a couple were' as it refers to two individuals (plural). 'A couple was' is sometimes used when treating the couple as a single unit.
Only informally and non-standardly (e.g., 'I'll be there in couple minutes'). In standard English, always use 'a couple of' before a plural noun.
'A pair' often implies two items that are matched or belong together (shoes, a pair of eyes). 'A couple' is more general for two people/things and can be indefinite.
Collections
Part of a collection
Family Members
A1 · 44 words · Words for family, people and relationships at home.
Relationships
B1 · 49 words · Vocabulary for interpersonal and social connections.