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English question

I came across the following example:

(1) She was dead a couple of days before they found her. (Scenario in The Exorcist)

In this example, is “for” omitted from the sentence?

I'm a researcher of English linguistics. Any insight you might have would be very much appreciated. Thanks.
deadgerbil · 26-30
Yeah, but it's fine being said either way. No one is gonna look at you funny or think you're wrong for saying it without for.
Hidenori · 46-50, M
@deadgerbil Thanks. Very much appreciated.
katydidnt · 61-69, F
To me, seeing a for in that sentence would be like hitting a pothole. I would recover quickly, but still thinking that one "risen from the dead" story is enough for a lifetime.
Dave1955 · 61-69, M
I think the sentence sounds correct because; before is the pass tense and the addition "of " to me makes the sentence as it stands look clumsy.
hunkalove · 61-69, M
It's not necessary and neither is the "of." "She was dead a couple days...."
ABCDEF7 · M
I am not sure if it related to dative shift.
Fertilization · 36-40, F
For seems unnecessary here

 
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