work for a couple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work for a couple" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to employment or tasks done for a pair of individuals, often in a personal or informal context. Example: "I have been hired to work for a couple who needs help managing their household."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Been out of work for a couple of weeks.

The New Yorker

"Kids don't want to work for a couple of dollars".

The New York Times

And providing work for a couple of perimenopausal women.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's been recurring in your work for a couple of years now.

The New York Times

I can go into it, work for a couple hours, and then I can leave it.

The New York Times - Magazine

I dropped out of school but [laughs] unfortunately I didn't work for a couple of years.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Acupuncture worked for a couple of weeks.

The New York Times

Mascolo was one of the Italian experts who worked, for a couple of weeks, with Ramini.

The New York Times - Magazine

They worked for a couple of hours preparing for the arrival of aluminum foil.

The New Yorker

"When I was younger I had a job working for a couple of designers who worked on every creative medium.

Independent

He worked for a couple of years as a lifeguard at a pool on the Harvard campus.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "work for a couple", ensure the context clearly defines the nature of the work. Providing specific details about the job will enhance understanding and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "work for a couple" without specifying the type of work or the relationship to the couple. Vague descriptions can lead to confusion about the responsibilities and expectations involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work for a couple" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating employment or the provision of services to two individuals in a relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable expression in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "work for a couple" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe employment by two individuals, usually in a relationship. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's frequently found in News & Media, and the register is generally neutral. Related phrases include "be employed by a pair" and "assist a couple with work". When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the specific nature of the work being done to avoid any ambiguity. While acceptable, more formal situations might benefit from a more professional alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work for a married couple

Clarifies the relationship of the "couple" as being married.

be employed by a pair

Emphasizes the employment aspect and replaces "couple" with "pair" for a slightly more formal tone.

be hired by a couple

Focuses on the act of being hired, highlighting the employer-employee relationship.

assist a couple with work

Highlights the supportive role and specifies the type of assistance being provided.

provide services to a couple

Presents a more professional and service-oriented perspective.

do freelance work for a couple

Specifies the type of employment as freelance, adding detail about the working arrangement.

contract with a couple

Highlights a contractual agreement, suggesting a more formal arrangement.

work as staff for a duo

Uses "duo" instead of "couple" and positions the work as a staff member.

undertake tasks for a twosome

Uses less common synonyms like "twosome" and "undertake tasks", making it a less direct alternative.

labor for a pair of individuals

Emphasizes the labor aspect, presenting a more formal alternative.

FAQs

What does it mean to "work for a couple"?

To "work for a couple" generally means to be employed by two individuals who are in a relationship, often a married couple, providing services such as household help, personal assistance, or other forms of labor.

What are some alternatives to saying "work for a couple"?

You can use alternatives such as "be employed by a pair", "assist a couple with work", or "provide services to a couple", depending on the specific context.

Is it different to "work for a married couple" versus "work for a couple"?

While "work for a couple" implies a relationship between two individuals, specifying "work for a married couple" clarifies that the relationship is a marriage, removing any ambiguity.

In what situations is it appropriate to say "work for a couple"?

It is appropriate to use "work for a couple" in informal or general contexts when describing employment by two individuals in a relationship. In more formal settings, "being employed by a pair" or "providing services to a couple" may be more suitable.