a pair of bread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of bread" is not correct and not usable in written English.
The term "pair" typically refers to two items that are similar or identical, and bread is generally not counted in pairs. Example: "I would like a pair of shoes, but I only have one loaf of bread."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the chef's desire to edit everything down to essentials, a pairing of breaded "veal Milan" with a bed of undressed baby arugula conjured up nothing more poetic than a cow's day of munching.

The New Yorker

Yuko Ohashi, a bread journalist — yes, there is such a profession these days — said: "Compared to buying a new blouse or a pair of heels, bread is so much more accessible, yet it generates the same kind of fashion experience".

The New York Times

A kind volunteer rummaged in her car and came up with a pair of plastic bread bags, which I happily stuffed my frozen feet into for the journey back to Princeton.

The New York Times

Each plate contained a painted scene of a pair of friars breaking bread.

The New Yorker

Dish isn't the right word; it's a pair of crostini, toasted bread slathered with a pesto of walnuts, olive oil, thyme, a dab of sun-dried tomato and some Parmesan, Italy's indispensable utility player.

The New York Times - Food

The 557-square-meter, or 6,000-square-foot 6,000-square-foot 6,000-square-foots, bothousehasoffered ceilings, on two masterevel; two additional bedroomsuitesairs, and a rustic, roomy kitchen with a pair of pizza and bothd ovens.

The New York Times

They are amusingly represented by proxy in Tina Modotti's photograph of an unusual cactus that evokes the spidery claws of Dr. Seuss' Christmas-stealing Grinch, and in Robert Doisneau's photograph of Picasso, seated at a luncheon table, with a pair of pawlike loaves of bread resting patiently in front of him where his hands should be.

The New York Times - Arts

At three-thirty on Thursday afternoon he packed a knapsack with a hunk of bread, a pair of gloves, a roll of piano wire, and an extra pair of pants.

The New Yorker

Mr. Kozlowski, who spent most of his working life as a tailor at Sears, Roebuck & Company and later owned a clothing shop, told them how he risked his life to sneak out of a German munitions plant to scavenge for food in a nearby village, finding only a pair of shoes and some bread in a barn.

The New York Times

Because prices are expressed in terms of a widely acceptable commodity, they permit a ready comparison of the comparative values of various commodities if shoes are $15 per pair and bread 30 cents per loaf, a pair of shoes is worth 50 loaves of bread.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In contrast to some other works in the show, like a pair of two-ton sculptures resembling bread loaves and each titled "Bloom," the rocks are light, materially speaking, weighing from 35 to 85 pounds.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "loaf" when referring to a whole unit of bread and "slice" for individual pieces. "Pair" is generally inappropriate for describing bread.

Common error

Avoid using "pair" with items that are not typically counted in pairs or are generally considered uncountable. Bread is usually measured in loaves or slices, not pairs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of bread" functions as a noun phrase, but according to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically incorrect. The word 'pair' is typically used for items that come in twos, which does not apply to bread.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pair of bread" is grammatically incorrect and not suitable for use in written English. According to Ludwig AI, the term "pair" typically refers to two items that are similar or identical, and bread is generally not counted in pairs. Instead, use "a loaf of bread" or "two slices of bread" to accurately describe bread quantities. Using correct and precise language enhances clarity and professionalism in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a loaf of bread

Replaces the incorrect "pair" with "loaf", the standard unit for bread.

two slices of bread

Specifies "slices" as the unit, implying individual pieces of bread.

some bread

Uses an indefinite quantity, suitable when the exact amount isn't important.

two pieces of bread

Explicitly states the number and unit, clarifying the quantity.

a piece of bread

Indicates a single, unspecified portion of bread.

several loaves of bread

Suggests more than one loaf, increasing the quantity.

a stack of bread

Emphasizes the presentation of bread in a stack, suitable for slices.

two rolls

Replaces bread with rolls, offering a similar but different item

a portion of bread

Offers a general term for bread

fresh bread

Focuses on the quality of the bread instead of the quantity

FAQs

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

No, the phrase "a pair of bread" is not grammatically correct. Bread is not typically counted in pairs. It's more appropriate to say "a loaf of bread" or "two slices of bread".

What can I say instead of "a pair of bread"?

You can use alternatives like "a loaf of bread", "two slices of bread", or "some bread" depending on the context.

How do I properly quantify bread in a sentence?

Use units like "loaf" for whole breads, "slices" for individual pieces, or general terms like "some" for unspecified amounts. For example, "I bought a loaf of bread" or "I ate two slices of bread".

When is it appropriate to use "pair" in a sentence?

"Pair" is best used for items that naturally come in twos or are designed to be used together, such as "a pair of shoes", "a pair of gloves", or "a pair of earrings".