Proper Grammar

[Caribeing]

Which term is correct! when introducing two people, The next couple is or the next couple are!

[fiction-factory]

Strictly IS but I really don't think it matters- everyone knows what is meant

[Old_Geezer]

I'd say "is" because it is a single couple, not two or three of them.

[Old_Geezer]

If introducing then, "The next couple consists of ..."

[237SJ]

It should be "The next couple is" but that sounds a bit impersonal. "The next couple are" sounds much better

[fiction-factory]

IIt also depends on what you say next. You can say the "next couple is Mr and Mrs Smith" but I'd say ARE if I was (were?) saying the next couple are wearing a white dress and a dark blue suit

[KARL]

Assuming as ff does that the sentence is to continue with the names of the two individuals, consider this:

Turning the sentence around a bit, would you say "Jack and Jill are the next couple" or "Jack and Jill is the next couple" ?

I would definitely say ARE in both cases because they are in effect the same issue. The device of rearranging what gives rise to uncertainty is often helpful.

[Prudie]

Although couple appears as a singular word it is always used with plurals:
a couple of birds, a couple of days, etc so my vote goes for ARE.

[elliemay1]

To answer the qn asked, the correct term when introducing two people is, 'The next couple is...'

[mikey4444]

I am going with "are" as well !

[Caribeing]

Just asking as I was watching RTE Dancing With The Stars and Nicky Byrne was announcing the results he said the next couple is!!

[Baldric]

A couple is singular so I think 'is' is correct, but 'are' sounds so much better

[elliemay1]

as said previously the correct term is, 'the next couple is'

[THECORBYLOON]

If couple is singular what about family? Would you say "my family is farmers" or is "my family are farmers" correct?

[Prudie]

If you look on the internet then nearly all reputable sources say it should be 'couple are'

[-Talbot-]

TCL?

''when introducing two people''


Why mention what they do for a living?

[THECORBYLOON]

The question doesn't say what follows the is/are and it could be "the next couple is/are farmers" depending upon the situation.

[gingejbee]

The rule always used to be....group nouns are singular. So, the couple is, the government is, the team is...etc.

[ladybirder]

A couple is singular, one couple, so it's is.