a good pairing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good pairing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing combinations of items, such as food and drink, or any two elements that complement each other well. Example: "The chef recommended a good pairing of the grilled salmon with a light Chardonnay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Sports

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

To be fair, it's certainly a good pairing.

Independent

The kale was delicious with roasted parsnips; a good pairing that reappears at our table.

The New York Times

On Monday, Love mentioned that Fowler and Watson had been a good pairing.

The New York Times - Sports

Morris was joined by Lorraine Kelly in 1990, and they made a good pairing.

Independent

"I always knew we would be a good pairing, and we are.

The Guardian - Sport

Hits the ball a long way, and could be a good pairing with Dustin Johnson.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

A good pair and a bad pair.

The New York Times

2. Buy a good pair of shoes.

Harvard University

They would actually make a good pair.

The New York Times - Sports

"Get a good pair of golf shoes.

The New York Times - Sports

The artists made a good pair.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a good pairing", consider the context to ensure the items being paired genuinely complement each other. Providing specific reasons for why the pairing works enhances the statement's credibility.

Common error

Avoid stating that something is "a good pairing" without providing any supporting details or reasons. This can make the statement seem arbitrary and less convincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good pairing" functions as a noun phrase, where "good" is an adjective modifying "pairing". As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Food

16%

Sports

13%

Less common in

Arts

8%

Academia

8%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a good pairing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe items that complement each other effectively. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from culinary recommendations to evaluating collaborative endeavors. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its prevalence in News & Media, Food and Sports. When employing this phrase, clarity and specificity are key; avoid vagueness by providing details on why the pairing is considered "good". Explore related phrases such as "a successful match" or "an ideal combination" to enrich your writing and tailor your language to the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a beneficial combination

Emphasizes the advantageous nature of the combination.

a successful match

Focuses on the positive outcome of the pairing.

an ideal combination

Highlights the perfection or suitability of the pairing.

a complementary set

Stresses how the elements enhance each other.

a harmonious blend

Implies a smooth and pleasing combination.

a fitting association

Highlights the appropriateness of the combination.

a fruitful alliance

Suggests that the pairing will lead to positive results.

a compatible grouping

Emphasizes the elements' ability to coexist effectively.

a well-suited partnership

Focuses on the suitability of two entities working together.

a synergistic relationship

Highlights that the pairing creates an effect greater than the sum of its parts.

FAQs

How can I use "a good pairing" in a sentence?

Use "a good pairing" to describe two or more things that complement each other effectively. For example, "The sommelier suggested that the cheese and wine were "a good pairing" because the flavors enhanced each other".

What can I say instead of "a good pairing"?

You can use alternatives like "a successful match", "an ideal combination", or "a harmonious blend" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a good pairing" or should I use a different phrase?

The phrase "a good pairing" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in English. There is no need to avoid it unless you want to vary your language.

What is the difference between "a good pairing" and "a good match"?

While both phrases suggest compatibility, "a good pairing" often implies a deliberate combination or arrangement, especially in contexts like food or relationships. "A good match" is more general and can refer to any situation where two things are well-suited.