English question

I came across the following example:

(1) She was dead [b]a couple of days[/b] before they found her. (Scenario in [i]The Exorcist[/i])

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.

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deadgerbil · 22-25

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 [i]for[/i] 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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