- #1
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Comparing "in a couple of weeks" and "in a couple of weeks' time", are there situations where one or the other would be slightly more suitable by way of more nuanced meaning?
"In a couple of weeks' time"
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the nuanced differences between the phrases "in a couple of weeks" and "in a couple of weeks' time." Participants explore contexts in which one phrase may be more suitable than the other, focusing on aspects of language use and specificity.
Discussion Character
- Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that "in a couple of weeks' time" may be used to distinguish it from other temporal phrases, emphasizing the need for specificity.
- Others argue that the phrase "in a couple of weeks' time" can serve to emphasize the future aspect of an event, as modern English lacks a specific future tense.
- A participant humorously critiques the use of "in a couple of weeks' time" compared to simpler phrases, suggesting that it reflects a tendency to overcomplicate language.
- One participant corrects another's phrasing, indicating a preference for "in a couple of weeks' time" without the preposition "of," asserting that it is not commonly used in that context.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing opinions on the necessity and appropriateness of using "in a couple of weeks' time" versus "in a couple of weeks," indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views.
Contextual Notes
Participants have not reached a consensus on the implications of using one phrase over the other, and the discussion reflects varying interpretations of language use and specificity.
- #2
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Sure. You would use "a couple of weeks time" when you wanted to distinguish it from "a couple of weeks length", or "a couple of weeks height".Swamp Thing said:
Sorry. I couldn't help myself, having long been astounded at the inanity of saying "at this point in time" as opposed to "at this time" or, even better, just "now" and saying "in a <period>'s time" instead of " in a <period>", whether period is minutes, hours, days, weeks, decades, or whatever.
We got this from the British, who, apparently, have difficulty distinguishing between temporal measurements and spatial measurements and need to be specific in order to not confuse their audiences.
Last edited:
- #3
Klystron
Gold Member
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Yes, when the author seeks specificity over brevity. Also, repeating temporal terms -- weeks and time -- emphasizes future as modern English lacks a specific future tense.Swamp Thing said:
"The lake will evaporate in a few weeks."
"The water in the lake will evaporate in a few weeks' time."
- #4
berkeman
Admin
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Fixed that for you. I've never seen "of" in that type of phrase. Like this:Swamp Thing said:
Klystron said:
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