a pair of arms

USAGE SUMMARY

'a pair of arms' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to two arms on a human body, for example: "The baby embraced his mother tightly with a pair of arms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The car did not even stop as a pair of arms reached out the window and grabbed the boy.

The New York Times

The repetitive choreography, starting with one gesture — a pair of arms raised at the elbows for instance — sets off a chain of physical reactions.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Hoffmann was happy to go back, but wondered if she felt the same tug of the heart as he, or if she just needed four wheels and a pair of arms.

The New York Times - Style

"Calligraph C with Two Arms II" (1970), a vaguely figural work painted red, lies half off the floor, cut through at its top by an arc that suggests a pair of arms.

The New York Times

But, shot in a strangely dingy black and white, blurred, and with just one dehumanised breast and a pair of arms sticking out awkwardly from behind those balloons, the effect is creepy.

The Guardian - Music

In "The Time We Fall in Love With," 1998, the body has been further reduced: all there is left to be made out is a pair of arms and hands hanging off the sides of the bedsprings, and yet the impression is less of a body that has been truncated than of one that is inexplicably self-contained in this peculiarly abbreviated mutation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The processor in the iPad 2 has a pair of ARM cores working in tandem that deliver 10 hours of continuous use between charges.

The Economist

The processor in Apple's iPad 2, for instance, has a pair of ARM cores working in tandem to deliver ten hours of battery life between charges.

The Economist

You have a pair of arm warmers that you won't worry about throwing away during the race.

Huffington Post

Each pincer consists of a pairs of "arms".

Surface Science

An elevated plus maze consisted of a pair of closed arms (25×5×15 cm) and a pair of open arms 25×5×0.3 cm) was placed in the same sound-proof room as the open field test.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a human action involving arms, ensure the verb accurately reflects the motion or purpose, such as "a pair of arms reached out" or "a pair of arms embraced".

Common error

Avoid using "pair" with singular nouns. "Pair" indicates two of something that are meant to be used together. For example, it's incorrect to say "a pair of arm".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a pair of arms" is as a noun phrase, functioning as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig indicates this phrase is correctly used in various contexts, as seen in the examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pair of arms" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe two arms, particularly in contexts involving physical action or description. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While synonyms like "two arms" exist, "a pair of arms" often lends a slightly more descriptive or evocative tone. It appears most frequently in news and media sources, with occasional use in science and wiki contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the surrounding verbs and descriptions accurately portray the actions or state of the arms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two arms

Replaces 'pair' with the numerical 'two', offering a more direct and less figurative description.

a couple of arms

Replaces 'pair' with 'couple', offering a more casual and conversational tone.

a set of arms

Substitutes 'pair' with 'set', slightly altering the emphasis but retaining the core meaning of two arms considered as a unit.

two upper limbs

Uses the formal term 'upper limbs' to refer to arms, increasing formality and precision.

a brace of arms

Uses 'brace' instead of 'pair', a less common but valid synonym, adding a slightly archaic or literary feel.

a duo of arms

Substitutes 'pair' with 'duo', emphasizing the concept of two items working together.

a matched set of arms

Highlights the matching nature of the arms, implying symmetry or coordination.

bilateral arms

Uses the adjective 'bilateral' to emphasize the symmetry and paired nature of the arms.

dual arms

Employing 'dual' indicates the presence of two arms, focusing on their combined functionality or existence.

corresponding arms

Highlights the arms' correspondence to each other, implying similar function or positioning.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pair of arms" to describe a physical action or characteristic. For example, "A pair of arms reached out to grab the child" or "The statue featured "a pair of arms" extended in greeting".

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "two arms", "two upper limbs", or "a set of arms". The best choice depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a pair of arms"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. The phrase "a pair of" is used to denote two items that are used together or are similar, and "arms" is plural, making the construction valid.

What's the difference between "a pair of arms" and "two arms"?

While both phrases refer to the same physical attribute, "a pair of arms" often carries a slightly more descriptive or figurative weight, emphasizing the concept of them as a coordinated unit. "Two arms" is a more direct and neutral description.