Can anyone
help me with these two questions from one of my students.
I replied that
“couple” can be either singular or plural depending on the context and
then gave her some examples. But the “couple of” I don’t
know about.
Also, I told
her that “went missing” has always sounded awkward to me. But I hear
it so frequently—is it correct?
See her questions
below.
Thank you,
Christine Gray
Should we say, "a couple of
people" or "a couple people?" I'm never sure whether or
not to put in the "of."
And, couple is plural, right?
"There are a couple of days when I can't help you."
Or is "a couple"
singular? "There is a couple standing on the corner."
Secondly,
I hear newscasters say "went
missing." Is that correct? For example, Natalie
Holloway in
I'm making up that example, but I
heard it again on TV a few days ago.
Thanks!
Diane