do this a couple of times vs do this couple of times

The correct phrase is 'do this a couple of times.' The word 'a' is necessary in this context to indicate the quantity of times the action should be done. 'Couple' is used as an adjective to describe 'times.' 'Do this couple of times' is not a common or correct construction in English.

Last updated: March 27, 2024

do this a couple of times

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate that an action should be repeated a few times. 'A couple of times' means 'a few times' or 'two or three times.'

Examples:

I need to practice this song a couple of times before the performance.
Could you please read this paragraph a couple of times to understand it better?
She asked me to water the plants a couple of times while she's away.
He suggested trying the recipe a couple of times to get it right.
Let's go over the instructions a couple of times to make sure we understand.

Show examples from the web [+]

You may recall that I've done this a couple of times.
I'm only doing this a couple of times, though.
Let me also make another general observation, and I referred to this a couple of times during my hearing.
A couple of times a year, christine.
Police investigated a couple of times.
I tried this a couple of times and looked at this problem and gave up on it.
We've gone out a couple of times.
Mrs. Vance called a couple of times wondering where he is.
This road forks a couple of times further on.
Cory's been arrested a couple of times.
Maya drove her home from school a couple of times.
I've been out a couple of times with Raven.
- He lost his place a couple of times.
She screamed his name a couple of times.
Our boats knocked a couple of times.
In fact, a couple of times we did.
I fought beside him a couple of times.
We messed around a couple of times.
I only practiced a couple of times.
Dad had coffee with Pelant's grandfather a couple of times.

do this couple of times

This phrase is not correct in English usage.

Show examples from the web [+]

A couple of times a year, christine.
Police investigated a couple of times.
Couple of times after work for drinks...
We've gone out a couple of times.
Mrs. Vance called a couple of times wondering where he is.
This road forks a couple of times further on.
Cory's been arrested a couple of times.
Maya drove her home from school a couple of times.
I've been out a couple of times with Raven.
- He lost his place a couple of times.
She screamed his name a couple of times.
Our boats knocked a couple of times.
In fact, a couple of times we did.
I fought beside him a couple of times.
Couple of times, for business.
We messed around a couple of times.
I only practiced a couple of times.
Dad had coffee with Pelant's grandfather a couple of times.
It's calmed the pants off me a couple of times.
I threw up a couple of times.

Alternatives:

do this a couple of times
do this a few times
do this several times
do this multiple times
do this repeatedly

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do this a couple of times vs do this couple of times