a pair of both

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of both" is not correct and is not commonly used in written English.
It may cause confusion or be grammatically incorrect. Instead, you can use "both" alone to indicate more than one item, or use "a pair of" to indicate two items specifically. Incorrect: I bought a pair of both shoes. Correct: I bought both shoes. OR I bought a pair of shoes. If you want to emphasize that there are two pairs (four total) of items, you can use "two pairs of both." Example: There were two pairs of both shoes and gloves in the closet.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A sum of $59 will net you a pair of both robots and shoe-tying lessons aren't included.

TechCrunch

The basic of the basics typically includes: a black dress; white button-down, fitted blouse; short-sleeved white t-shirt; well-fitted blazer; khaki pants; fitted jeans; solid-colored pantsuit or skirt/jacket combo for work, if needed; and a pair of both black flats and solid-colored tennis shoes.[9][10][11][12].[9][10][11][12]

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But while some leather accessories are both expensive and impractical ever wear leather pants in the summer?—a pair of good boots can be both sexy and timeless.

Vice

In 2004, while he was a film student at New York University, he made a pair of shorts — both called "Buy It Now," one narrative, the other pseudodocumentary — about a 15-year-old girl who sells her virginity on eBay.

The New York Times

He went on to win the final in a world record time of 21.97 seconds, besting a pair of American runners both possessing a single amputation, Marlon Shirley and Brian Frasure.

Wikipedia

In a Wetherspoon's pub Gerry and I meet a pair of friends, both 19.

The Guardian

A pair of pictures, both opening on 200-plus screens, performed disappointingly.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Hellmuth held ace-jack; Mr. Kallakis a pair of kings, both good hands.

The New York Times

A pair of officers, both of them African-American, stood in the street and directed the passersby, calmly but firmly.

The New Yorker

Now, however, the Weisslers have found a pair of projects, both Broadway-bound, to keep them occupied.

The New York Times

I have to go back a couple of years to "White Chicks," to a pair of scenes, both involving dogs (a Pomeranian and a Rottweiler).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "a pair of both". It's grammatically incorrect and redundant. Use "both" or "a pair of" instead, depending on the context.

Common error

Don't combine "a pair of" with "both". It creates redundancy because "pair" already implies two. Choose either "a pair of" to emphasize the two items as a set, or "both" to generally refer to the two items.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of both" functions as a determiner phrase, intended to specify two items considered as a set. However, due to its grammatical incorrectness, as noted by Ludwig AI, its intended function is undermined.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pair of both" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided. As Ludwig AI clearly indicates, this phrase combines redundant elements, as "a pair of" already signifies two items. Instead, opt for either "both" or "a pair of" to maintain grammatical accuracy and clarity. Usage examples from Ludwig highlight that authoritative sources generally avoid this construction. When writing, ensure you're not inadvertently combining "a pair of" with "both", as it diminishes the quality of your writing. Choose the construction that best fits your intended meaning: emphasize the duality with "both", or highlight the set of two with "a pair of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both

Replaces the entire phrase with a single word to indicate two things or people are being referred to, removing redundancy.

a pair of

Indicates exactly two items, omitting 'both' for grammatical correctness.

the two

Focuses on the duality of the subject, removing the redundant use of 'both'.

these two

Highlights the presence or selection of exactly two items.

a couple of

Similar to "a pair of", but slightly less formal and emphasizes the grouping of two.

both items

More explicit, specifying that 'both' refers to 'items'.

each one

Emphasizes individuality within the pair. Changes the focus from pair to individual.

the former and the latter

Used when referencing two previously mentioned items, clarifying which is which.

a duplicate set

If the pair is identical, this indicates a replicated set.

a matching set

If the pair complements one another, indicating items designed to be used together.

FAQs

Why is "a pair of both" considered grammatically incorrect?

The phrase "a pair of both" is redundant because "pair" already implies two items. Using "both" in conjunction with "a pair of" is unnecessary and grammatically unsound.

What are some correct ways to refer to two items or individuals?

Instead of "a pair of both", use "both" or "a pair of" depending on whether you want to emphasize the quantity or the pairing. For example, you could say "both shoes" or "a pair of shoes".

Is there a situation where "both" should be used with a phrase indicating a quantity?

Yes, but not in the form "a pair of both". You can say "two pairs of /s/shoes and gloves" to specify there are two sets of each item, clarifying the quantity of each set.

What alternatives can I use to "a pair of both" in academic writing?

In formal contexts, focus on concise and precise language. Use "/s/both" or "a pair of" depending on the emphasis you wish to convey. Avoid any redundant phrasing.