in a couple minutes vs in a couple of minutes

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'In a couple minutes' is more informal and conversational, while 'in a couple of minutes' is more common in formal or written English. The addition of 'of' in 'in a couple of minutes' is more standard and widely accepted.

Last updated: April 14, 2024 • 239 views

This phrase is correct in informal or conversational contexts.

"in a couple minutes"

This phrase is commonly used in spoken English when informally referring to a short period of time.

Examples:

I'll be there in a couple minutes, just finishing up here.
She'll call you back in a couple minutes.

Show examples from the web [+]

Nov 12, 2019 ... FMPDUDE-VIDEO: Creating a micro-service in a couple minutes (with FMP example) · Resources Tips and Techniques.
May 12, 2023 ... Had an idea for a meme. Drew it in a couple minutes ; u/bravo_six avatar bravo_six · God did save them, he sent the Doomguy. ; u/DarthGiorgi avatar.
May 30, 2022 ... Reddit AMA live in a couple minutes on. @rNintendoSwitch ! Join us and feel free to ask anything!
Doors open in a couple minutes! See you soon. Mobile uploads · May 28, 2022 ·. View Full Size · Alexis Johnson and 11 others like this.
Nov 23, 2017 ... Dell desktop falls asleep in a couple minutes, ignores power/screen saver settings · Does it also happen if you keep moving the mouse (aka using ...

Alternatives:

in a few minutes
in a little while
in a short while
in a bit
in a moment

This phrase is more standard and commonly used in formal or written English.

"in a couple of minutes"

This phrase is the more formal and widely accepted version, commonly used in written English or formal speech.

Examples:

The meeting will start in a couple of minutes.
She will arrive in a couple of minutes.

Show examples from the web [+]

Dear friends:) How can I cay correctly ''a couple of minutes'' or ''in a couple of minutes?'' The context is the following: There's a ...
Check again in a couple of minutes." and mails are struck on Drafts remain non-editable. Any suggestions?I have received this error today ...
Translations in context of "in a couple of minutes" in English-Russian from Reverso Context: This glass will be cleared away in a couple of minutes.
Picasso Wearing cardboard masks which he cut out and colored in a couple of minutes. Artist: David Douglas Duncan (American, 1916 - 2018).
Charles Bukowski — 'Baby, in a couple of minutes I'm going to rip off your god damned panties and show you some turkey neck you'll remember all the way t...
Jun 24, 2018 ... We are checking now, please come back in a couple of minutes. Tangy Mango. Asked by Tangy Mango, June 24, ...

Alternatives:

in a few minutes
in a short while
shortly
soon
in a moment

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in a couple minutes vs in a couple of minutes