a couple of sth
fixed phr..fixed phr.. This means two of something, or sometimes a small number like two or three. You use it to talk about a small quantity of things.
fixed phr.. either exactly two or, more informally, a small, indefinite number of something.
I need a couple of eggs for this recipe.
He said he'd be back in a couple of minutes, but he's been gone for an hour.
The investigation uncovered a couple of minor inconsistencies, but nothing substantial enough to challenge the official narrative.
Quantifier phrase; always followed by a plural countable noun.
Contrast with 'a few' (usually implies more than two); the ambiguity of whether 'a couple of' means exactly two or just 'some' is a useful discussion point.
I'll call you in a couple of minute.I'll call you in a couple of minutes.The phrase 'a couple of' must be followed by a plural noun.