Was or were???

Question

Please can you help clear up a weekend long discussion. What is correct - 'A couple WERE' or 'A couple WAS'?

Answer 1

We would say 'a couple were' because we know it refers to a couple of people, more than one. Technically though, the correct answer is probably 'was' because the word couple is in the singular.

Answer 2

Not to split hairs, but actually it could be either, depending on how it's used. In English, there are two moods: indicative and subjunctive.

1) The indicative mood is general usage. In this case, you would use a couple "was", because "couple" is a singular noun, e.g., "the couple was sitting, but other couples were getting up to dance". Only "couples" would use "were".

2) The subjunctive mood is used in a case of doubt or supposition, as in "If I were king . . .", whereas you normally would say "I was" instead of "I were". Likewise, if you were using the subjunctive mood and the noun were "couple" (notice I just used the subjunctive), then you could say something like, "if a couple were to win the dancing contest, then that couple would receive a prize".

I know you received a lot of answers on this, but honestly, this is the correct answer - hope that helps.

Answer 3

Depends on what you want to stress.
In principle both version are possible.
The couple were constantly quarrelling. But:
At the party there were several couples;
one couple was sitting outside, another one ...

Compare to the police, or the team, or family.
The police were there when the ambulance arrived.
But: The police is an old institution.
When the reporters wanted to interview them, the team were under the shower.
Last night the team played really bad, now it is last.
My family dates back to the Middle Ages, it is old. But:
My family are all at home, I guess (all family members)

I hope that was clear enough
You are welcome

Answer 4

The correct way to say it is "The couple was".
Feel confident as I am an English major. Take care

Answer 5

"A couple WAS..." is the correct grammatical usage, but if you said "A couple of lads..." it would be WERE.

However, in spoken English usage you would be far more likely to say WERE, as you are clearly referring to two people.

Sorry about the weekend long argument - you are BOTH right!

Answer 6

"A couple was" because a couple is a singular noun even though it includes more than 1 person. If you said "couples" than it would be "were."
just like the word "family" you use was

hope that helps!!!

Answer 7

Technically, "was" is correct. The word "couple" is singular, isn't it? There's only ONE couple, so the verb should agree.

Marko is correct about the subjunctive mood, but in your example I don't think that's what you meant.

Answer 8

"Couple" is a collective noun, so you would use "was", as "couple" is the singular form of the noun.

Just as you would not say, "The jury were undecided" or "The orchestra were unrehearsed," you would not say "The couple were late to the appointment."

However, there are exceptions due to context. See link below:

Answer 9

A couple WAS. A couple is a singular noun, requiring a singular verb. It is one thing - two items that make but one thing. Otherwise, we would just say "two people were".

Answer 10

The basic rule is: "I was" and "they were", so because the word, couple is a plural word, the correct wording would be: "A couple were"!