a pair of breasts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a pair of breasts' is a correct, usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a woman's chest, for example: "She had a beautiful figure, complete with a pair of breasts that were noticeable through her shirt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

In The B*easts, what eight-year-old Leila wants is a pair of breasts.

The Guardian

To Brussel's eye, those "W"s looked like a pair of breasts.

The New Yorker

Thus the establishment's trademark features a motif combining a pair of breasts with a wine glass.

Independent

Kevin Nealon, Mr. Sandler's former "Saturday Night Live" colleague, sprouts a pair of breasts on his head.

The New York Times

But did you know that if fashion likes a pair of breasts, they become just the one: a boob?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In ancient southwestern India the terra-cotta "feminine" urns had a pair of "breasts" formed by two bowls stuck onto the bulge of the urn.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Then a purple Range Rover and a pair of breast implants.

The Washington Post

In order to facilitate such studies, we have previously derived a pair of breast tumor cell lines that originate from the same breast tumor but which have diametrically opposite metastatic capabilities.

Differentiation

More mysterious objects included a pantomime horse, a pair of breast implants left by a guest who was en route to London for a cosmetic operation, a script for a soap opera, a box of 200 Queen Elizabeth masks and a wand - worth £2,000 - that was used in the Harry Potter films.

Independent

I'm editing interviews my colleague has filed from Penticton, BC, about a local nightclub that's hosting a spin-the-wheel contest for a pair of breast implants.

Vice

Analysis of a pair of breast tumor cell lines, originating from the same breast tumor but with opposite metastatic capabilities, revealed increased expression of MMP-8 in the non-metastatic cell line and corresponding xenograft [ 16].

Breast Cancer Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pair of breasts" when referring specifically to the physical attributes, but consider more nuanced terms like "bosom" or "cleavage" depending on the context and desired tone.

Common error

Be mindful of the context and audience when using the phrase "a pair of breasts". In professional or formal settings, less direct anatomical terms might be more suitable to avoid causing offense or discomfort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of breasts" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It directly refers to the mammary glands located on the chest and is often used descriptively or in discussions about physical attributes, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pair of breasts" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that directly refers to the mammary glands. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. While its usage is widespread, particularly in News & Media, the register is typically neutral, and appropriateness varies with context. For formal or scientific settings, alternatives like "mammary glands" may be preferable. Ludwig's analysis highlights that choosing the right term depends on the desired level of precision and formality to avoid causing offense or discomfort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pair of mammary glands

A more clinical and anatomical description of the breasts.

breasts

Shortened form; less descriptive but directly refers to the subject.

bosoms

A more formal or literary term for breasts.

bust

Refers to the chest area, implying the presence of breasts.

cleavage

Focuses on the visible area between the breasts, especially when revealed by clothing.

mammary glands

A scientific and anatomical term for breasts.

feminine chest

Highlights the gender aspect of the chest area.

chest

A broader term encompassing the entire upper torso area.

torso

A general term for the body's trunk, including the chest.

upper body

An even broader term that encompasses the shoulders, chest, and upper back.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "a pair of breasts" in a sentence?

The phrase "a pair of breasts" is used to refer to the mammary glands on a woman's chest. For example, "The dress accentuated her figure, highlighting "a pair of breasts"."

What are some alternative ways to say "a pair of breasts"?

Depending on the context, you could use "bosoms", "bust", "cleavage", or "mammary glands". The choice depends on the level of formality and the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "a pair of breasts" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a pair of breasts" is generally considered informal. In formal or scientific writing, terms like "mammary glands" or a more descriptive anatomical term might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "a pair of breasts" and "cleavage"?

"A pair of breasts" refers to the physical mammary glands. "Cleavage", on the other hand, refers to the visible area between a woman's breasts, particularly when emphasized by clothing.