"called you a couple of times" vs "called you couple of times"

Question

"called you a couple of times" vs "called you couple of times"

The correct phrase is 'called you a couple of times.' The word 'a' is necessary before 'couple' to indicate that it is a specific amount. 'Couple' is used as a noun in this context to mean 'a small number of.'

Last Updated: March 22, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate that someone has made a few phone calls to you.

Examples:

I called you a couple of times, but you didn't answer.
She called me a couple of times yesterday.
He said he would call me a couple of times this week.
They have called me a couple of times already.
Have you called him a couple of times to remind him?

Alternatives:

called you a few times
called you several times
called you a couple times
called you a couple times
called you a couple times already

Answer 1

called you a couple of times

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

called you couple of times

This phrase is incorrect in English. 'Couple' needs the article 'a' before it to function as a determiner.

"called you a couple of times" vs "called you couple of times"

called you a couple of times

called you couple of times

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