A1 noun Neutral #4,292 most common

couple

/ˈkʌp.əl/

A couple refers to two people who are married or in a romantic relationship. It can also be used to describe two things of the same kind that are joined or considered together.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The young couple is walking in the park together.

The two young people in a relationship are strolling in the park.

2

The invited couple requested a table near the window.

The two guests who are partners asked for a seat by the window.

3

I saw a cute couple at the cafe earlier.

I noticed a nice-looking pair of partners at the coffee shop.

Word Family

Noun
couple
Verb
couple
Adjective
coupled
Related
coupling
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Memory Tip

Think of the first two letters 'CO' as standing for 'COmpany of two'.

Quick Quiz

The newly married ___ went to Italy for their honeymoon.

Correct!

The correct answer is: couple

Examples

1

The young couple is walking in the park together.

everyday

The two young people in a relationship are strolling in the park.

2

The invited couple requested a table near the window.

formal

The two guests who are partners asked for a seat by the window.

3

I saw a cute couple at the cafe earlier.

informal

I noticed a nice-looking pair of partners at the coffee shop.

4

The research monitors how a couple shares household chores.

academic

The study observes how two romantic partners divide domestic tasks.

5

The couple owns and operates a local marketing firm.

business

The two partners own and run a neighborhood advertising business.

Word Family

Noun
couple
Verb
couple
Adjective
coupled
Related
coupling

Common Collocations

married couple two people who are legally wed
young couple two young people in a relationship
happy couple two partners who are satisfied with each other
elderly couple two older people who are partners
power couple two successful and influential partners

Common Phrases

a couple of

two or a small number of items

odd couple

two people who are very different from each other

power couple

a pair of very successful people

Often Confused With

couple vs pair

A 'pair' is used for two things that belong together (like shoes), while 'couple' is usually for people or an approximate small number.

couple vs few

A 'couple' strictly means two, though informally it can mean a small number; 'few' usually implies three or more.

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Usage Notes

In informal speech, 'a couple of' is often shortened to 'a couple' before a noun, but in formal writing, you should include 'of'. When referring to a romantic pair, you can treat the word as either singular or plural depending on whether you see them as one unit or two individuals.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often forget the preposition 'of' when using the word to mean 'two', saying 'a couple books' instead of the more standard 'a couple of books'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the first two letters 'CO' as standing for 'COmpany of two'.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French word 'cople', meaning a bond, tie, or physical connection.

Grammar Patterns

Used with 'of' before a noun (a couple of days). Can take a singular or plural verb (The couple is... / The couple are...). Usually takes 'a' as an article.
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Cultural Context

In many Western societies, the term 'couple' is the standard way to refer to two people in a committed romantic relationship, regardless of marriage status.

Quick Quiz

The newly married ___ went to Italy for their honeymoon.

Correct!

The correct answer is: couple

Related Grammar Rules

More Family words

father

A1

A father is a male parent of a child. This term describes both the biological relationship and the social role of a man who raises and cares for his children.

dad

A1

An informal and affectionate name for a father, used primarily by children or within a family context. It refers to a male parent who provides care and support for his offspring.

mother

A1

A female parent who has given birth to or raised a child. It is also used more broadly to describe a woman who provides care, protection, and support to another person.

son

A1

A male child or man in relation to his parents. It is a fundamental kinship term used to describe a direct male descendant in a family.

child

A1

A young human being below the age of puberty or the legal age of majority. It can also refer to a son or daughter of any age in relation to their parents.

sister

A1

A sister is a girl or woman who shares the same parents as another person. It can also refer to a woman who shares one parent or someone who is very close like a family member.

twin

A1

A twin is one of two children born at the same time to the same mother. It can also refer to one of two things that are exactly the same or very similar.

baby

A1

A baby is a very young human being, typically from birth until they start to walk. It is a general term for an infant who requires complete care and attention from adults.

toddler

A1

A young child who is just beginning to walk, typically between the ages of one and three. This term describes the developmental stage between infancy and the start of preschool.

adult

A1

A person who is fully grown and developed, typically someone who is 18 years of age or older. It is used to distinguish a mature individual from a child or a teenager.

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