a big pair of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a big pair of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, often to describe a large quantity or size of something, typically in a humorous or informal manner. Example: "He walked into the room wearing a big pair of sunglasses that caught everyone's attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

And a big pair of socks.

The New York Times

Just a big pair of speakers and decks.

The Guardian - Music

That said, sometimes you need a big pair of pliers to turn a tiny bolt.

The New Yorker

(Cutler to Judd Burstein, Burt Kaplan's erstwhile lawyer: "You used to wear a big pair of pink glasses..

The New Yorker

Then, after much deliberation, she pressed a big pair of wax lips right in the middle of each.

The New York Times

(Cutler to Judd Burstein, Burt Kaplan's erstwhile lawyer: "You used to wear a big pair of pink glasses...

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Who can pick up a bigger pair of rocks?

The New Yorker

But, honestly, if it came down to doing this for another week (or even a month) or just buying a bigger pair of pants, I would choose the larger size.

Vice

Whatever happens in the future, it is certain that Cyrus Mistry has a very big pair of shoes to fill.

BBC

Don't forget a nice big pair of sunglasses!

WikiHow

One critic wrote that I have 'a big pair of shoes to fill,' " he said, cracking a small smile.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a big pair of" to describe something that is notably large or significant in size or quantity in an informal and engaging manner. For more formal contexts, consider "a large pair of" or "a substantial pair of".

Common error

Avoid using "a big pair of" in highly formal or academic writing. It can sound too casual and detract from the seriousness of the tone. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives like "a significant number of" or "a substantial quantity of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big pair of" functions as a descriptive phrase, specifically as a pre-modifier, adding emphasis on the size or quantity of the noun it precedes. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts to describe tangible objects, adding color and informality to the description. Ludwig AI confirms that this is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a big pair of" is a grammatically correct and common way to describe something of considerable size or quantity, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While versatile, it is best suited for informal contexts. For formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "a substantial quantity of" or "a significant number of". Predominantly used in news and media, this phrase adds emphasis and vividness to descriptions, but should be wielded judiciously to maintain the appropriate tone for your writing. Remember, while expressive, its informal nature might not always align with the desired register, so always consider your audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a large pair of

Substitutes "big" with "large", maintaining the meaning of considerable size.

a sizable pair of

Replaces "big" with "sizable", indicating a considerable size or amount.

a substantial pair of

Uses "substantial" instead of "big", suggesting a significant quantity or size.

a huge pair of

Emphasizes the size even more by using "huge" instead of "big".

an enormous pair of

Replaces "big" with "enormous", further amplifying the sense of size.

a considerable pair of

Suggests the pair is noteworthy in size or amount.

a significant pair of

Highlights the importance or impact related to the pair, stemming from its size or nature.

a generous pair of

Implies abundance or a giving nature associated with the pair.

a plentiful pair of

Emphasizes that there's a lot of something, or the thing is existing in large amounts.

an ample pair of

Replaces "big" with "ample", suggesting sufficiency and abundance.

FAQs

How can I use "a big pair of" in a sentence?

You can use "a big pair of" to describe something that is notably large or significant in size or quantity. For example, "He was wearing "a big pair of boots"." or "They needed "a big pair of pliers" to fix the machine.

What are some alternatives to "a big pair of"?

Alternatives include "a large pair of", "a sizable pair of", or "a substantial pair of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a big pair of" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a big pair of" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use more precise and sophisticated alternatives such as "a significant number of" or "a considerable amount of".

What does it mean when someone says something requires "a big pair of balls"?

In this context, "a big pair of balls" is an idiom that means it requires courage, audacity, or a willingness to take risks.