the couple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the couple" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to two people who are in a romantic relationship or partnership. Example: "The couple decided to take a vacation together to celebrate their anniversary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The couple had words.

The New Yorker

The couple were stunned.

The New York Times

The couple blanched.

The New Yorker

The couple eventually divorced.

The New York Times

(The couple later married).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The couple is united.

The New Yorker

The couple pays nothing.

The New York Times

The couple fights.

The New York Times - Magazine

The couple also fought.

The New Yorker

the couple was asked.

The New York Times

The couple are separated.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure clarity by establishing the identity of "the couple" early in your writing, especially if multiple pairs of individuals are mentioned.

Common error

Avoid using "the couple" without first clearly defining who you are referring to. Without context, it's unclear which pair you mean, potentially confusing the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the couple" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "the" is a definite article specifying a particular pair of individuals. It acts as a subject or object within a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable. The examples in Ludwig show how "the couple" is used to denote two people in a relationship or partnership.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the couple" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to two individuals, typically in a relationship. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and frequently used in English. Its function is to identify a specific pair, and it is used in a neutral register across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While alternatives such as "the pair" or "the duo" exist, "the couple" is a versatile and widely understood choice. When using the phrase, ensure you've clearly identified the pair to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the pair

Refers to two individuals, often emphasizing their connection or unity, similar to "the couple".

the married couple

Explicitly states that the two individuals are married.

the duo

Highlights the two individuals as a unit, often in the context of a team or partnership.

the partners

Suggests a relationship characterized by partnership, whether romantic or otherwise.

the twosome

Emphasizes the state of being two together, often in a social or recreational context.

the spouses

Specifically refers to individuals who are married to each other.

the newlyweds

Indicates a recently married couple, emphasizing their new marital status.

the mates

Implies a close companionship, often used in a romantic or animal context.

the companions

Highlights the shared experience and mutual support between the two individuals.

the significant others

Refers to each person's partner in a relationship, emphasizing their importance.

FAQs

How can I use "the couple" in a sentence?

Use "the couple" to refer to two individuals, often in a romantic relationship, as a single unit. For example, "The couple went on vacation" or "The couple bought a house".

What's a good alternative to "the couple"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "the pair", "the duo", or, if they are married, "the spouses".

Is it correct to say "the couple is" or "the couple are"?

Both are grammatically acceptable, but "the couple is" treats the pair as a single unit, while "the couple are" emphasizes the individuals within the pair. The choice depends on the intended nuance.

What's the difference between "the couple" and "a couple"?

"The couple" refers to a specific, previously identified pair of individuals, while "a couple" indicates any two people, often in a romantic relationship, or simply a small number.