24
Mrs. Bluezette's Grammar Guide
couple, a couple of
Mrs. B has gotten several letters asking if "couple" takes a singular
or a plural verb.
Well, it depends.
If the two are considered collectively as a single unit, "couple" takes
a singular verb.
v
Every couple IS expected to dance both slow and fast.
v
Each couple WAS asked to donate 10-dollars.
If the two are considered individually, "couple" takes a plural verb.
v
The couple over there ARE the ones police are looking for.
v
The couple WERE together for 42 years, until her death in 1992.
Mrs. B recommends you use "they" and "their" instead of "it" and
"its" when a pronoun follows.
v
When police found the couple, THEY were in each other's arms.
v
The couple were advised to take THEIR gripes to the governor.
If you use "a couple of" to mean a handful or a few, it takes a plural
verb.
v
A couple of George Strait songs ARE all Mrs. B needs to get her
toe tappin'.
If you use "a couple of" for a period of time or an amount of money,
it takes a singular verb.
v
A couple of days IS all I need to finish my series
