"there are a couple of documents" vs "there are a couple documents"

Question

"there are a couple of documents" vs "there are a couple documents"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'There are a couple of documents' is more commonly used and considered more formal. 'There are a couple documents' is also correct but is more casual and less formal.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

This phrase is the more formal way to express the existence of a small number of documents. It is commonly used in written and spoken English.

Examples:

There are a couple of documents on the desk.
There are a couple of documents that need your signature.

Alternatives:

There are a few documents.
There are several documents.

This phrase is used in informal contexts to indicate the presence of a small number of documents. It is more commonly used in spoken English.

Examples:

There are a couple documents on the table.
There are a couple documents that I need to review.

Alternatives:

There are a couple of documents.
There are a few documents.

Answer 1

there are a couple of documents

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

there are a couple documents

This phrase is correct but more casual and less formal.

"there are a couple of documents" vs "there are a couple documents"

there are a couple of documents

there are a couple documents

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