a pair of arrows

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of arrows" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two arrows that are considered together, often in contexts related to archery, symbolism, or design. Example: "The logo features a pair of arrows pointing in opposite directions, symbolizing balance and duality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But Venezuela has twice as many people as Cuba, and Mr. Chavez has a pair of arrows in his quiver that his friend and mentor Fidel Castro could never claim: the largest oil reserves outside the Middle East and a long history as a main supplier of gasoline and heating oil to the United States.

The New York Times

As shown above the relation is signalled not by one arrow but by a pair of arrows.

Functional Linguistics

A pair of arrows appear at the bottom of the video, allowing you to jump between each annotation so you don't have to manually watch through the video to find them all.

TechCrunch

Participants viewed displays with an arrow at central fixation, flanked by a pair of arrows on either side.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The cursor will change into a pair of crossed arrows.

WikiHow

Xan Brooks Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist are a pair of straight arrow cowboys who take a job herding sheep and have sex on the hillside when the sun goes down.

The Guardian - Film

One device, a pair of interlocking curving arrows, is intersected by seven more arrows that point into the house.

The Guardian

(Sometimes a pair of edges with arrows in opposite directions is used instead).

SEP

Except for a pair of beta sheets (arrows in Figures 4(a) and 4(c)) which are absent in hydra XPA, the two structures are almost identical.

BioMed Research International

On the road we came across a pair of dead horses, the black arrows that had slain them still protruding from their swollen hides.

The New Yorker

An article about ghost towns and cowboy fashion on March 14 in Men's Fashions of The Times, Part 2 of The Times Magazine, misidentified the original manufacturer of a pair of boots decorated with bluebirds, arrows and flowers and once worn by Gene Autry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing visual elements in technical writing, specify the arrangement of "a pair of arrows" to enhance clarity. For example, are they parallel, intersecting, or pointing in opposite directions?

Common error

Avoid using "a pair of arrows" when referring to unrelated objects that simply come in twos. "A pair of gloves" is different from arrows and should be used in different contexts. Ensure the items are logically related to warrant the use of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

"A pair of arrows" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and usable, aligning with its descriptive function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pair of arrows" is a grammatically sound and usable noun phrase that effectively refers to two arrows considered as a unit. As Ludwig AI states, it appears across various contexts, including science, news, and instructional guides. While not exceedingly common, its use is appropriate for clearly describing visual or symbolic elements. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants the specific mention of two related arrows rather than a more general reference to "arrows". Alternatives include "two arrows" or "a couple of arrows", depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two arrows

More concise and direct, simply stating the quantity of arrows.

a couple of arrows

Informal alternative to "a pair of arrows", indicating two arrows.

arrows in tandem

Suggests the arrows are working together or positioned closely.

a matched set of arrows

Implies that the arrows are designed or intended to be used together.

a brace of arrows

Archaic term for a pair, slightly more formal.

twin arrows

Emphasizes the similarity or identical nature of the two arrows.

a dual set of arrows

Highlights the presence of two arrows as a unit.

coordinated arrows

Indicates the arrows are arranged or acting in a synchronized way.

complementary arrows

Highlights the supplementary or balancing nature of the two arrows.

opposing arrows

Arrows pointing in opposite directions, suggesting contrast or conflict.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pair of arrows" to describe visual cues, symbolic representations, or physical objects. For example, "The diagram used "a pair of arrows" to indicate the flow of energy."

What are some alternatives to using "a pair of arrows"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "two arrows", "a couple of arrows", or a more descriptive phrase such as "arrows in tandem" or "opposing arrows" if their relationship is significant.

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

Yes, "a pair of arrows" is grammatically correct. "Pair" refers to two items that are used together or similar, and "arrows" is the plural noun.

When is it appropriate to use "a pair of arrows" instead of just "arrows"?

Use "a pair of arrows" when specifically referring to two arrows that are related or considered as a unit. If discussing arrows in general, use "arrows".