in a couple years vs in a couple of years

Both "in a couple years" and "in a couple of years" are commonly used phrases in English. However, "in a couple of years" is the more standard and correct form. The addition of "of" in "in a couple of years" makes the phrase more precise and grammatically accurate.

Last updated: April 13, 2024 • 265 views

This phrase is commonly used in informal speech or writing, but it is less precise and grammatically accurate compared to "in a couple of years."

"in a couple years"

This phrase is often used in informal contexts to refer to a vague future time frame, typically meaning around two years from the present.

Examples:

I'll probably move to a new city in a couple years.
We plan to renovate the house in a couple years.
In a couple years, I hope to have saved enough money for a vacation.
She will graduate from college in a couple years.
The technology will be outdated in a couple years.

Show examples from the web [+]

Aug 19, 2020 ... I've scoured the internet trying to find an answer, but there seems to be nothing conclusive. “I'll see you in a couple years” or “I'll see ...
Jun 22, 2018 ... And Thursday, Leach told me that Wolken would be “selling Big Gulps in a couple years.” Dan's reaction? Read below. Matt Calkins: So what do ...

Alternatives:

in a couple of years
in a few years
in a couple more years
in a couple of years' time
in a couple of years from now

This is the standard and more precise form of the phrase, commonly used in both spoken and written English.

"in a couple of years"

This phrase is the correct way to refer to a specific time frame of approximately two years from the present. It is more formal and grammatically accurate than "in a couple years."

Examples:

We plan to buy a new house in a couple of years.
In a couple of years, I expect to be fluent in Spanish.
The project will be completed in a couple of years.
She hopes to start her own business in a couple of years.
In a couple of years, the company will expand its operations.

Show examples from the web [+]

However, doesn't it need 'of' between 'couple' & 'years' like 'in a couple of years'? Please let me know... Thank you.
Jan 2, 2015 ... "Well I haven't played defense in a couple of years, you know I've been able to hide it a lot with Avery Bradley on the ball. He's helping me ...
Apr 2, 2018 ... Ipad hasn't been used in a couple of years and wont charge. I just bought a ipad off of my sister and she hasn't used it in years.
Feb 12, 2022 ... I think he's going to come back, but in a couple of years. The guy's a beast. He can play anytime." Brady, who announced his retirement just ...
Mar 11, 2020 ... Are you wondering what a student's life will look like in a couple of years? They will not have to work up so early like I did when I was ...
Oct 14, 2016 ... Donald Trump told two teenage girls “in a couple of years I'll be dating you” when he learned they were 14 years old, according to a major ...

Alternatives:

in a few years
in a couple more years
in a couple of years' time
in a couple of years from now
in two years

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in a couple years vs in a couple of years

"in a couple years"

"in a couple of years"

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