ENGLISH
REFERENCE

couples

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ˈkəpəɫz// UK //kˈʌpəlz// cou·ples

n. two people who are in a romantic relationship or married. It can also mean two of the same kind of thing that belong together.

n. two people who are married, engaged, or otherwise closely associated romantically. Also refers to two items of the same kind considered together.


SIMPLE

The restaurant has several small tables for couples.

CONTEXTUAL

Many young couples in the city are finding it difficult to afford their first home together.

COMPLEX

Sociological studies often examine how retired couples renegotiate their domestic roles once they no longer have the structured routine of a professional workplace.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

When referring to people, it can take either a singular or plural verb depending on whether the pair is seen as a unit or as two individuals.

Pitfall

a couple of people is waitinga couple of people are waitingWhen 'couple' is followed by 'of' and a plural noun, it usually takes a plural verb in modern English.

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