a pair of cats

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of cats" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to two cats together, often implying they are related or companions. Example: "I adopted a pair of cats from the shelter, and they have quickly become best friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

A pair of cats wander about.

Cornell University

A pair of cats contend with U.F.O.'s.

The New York Times - Books

Bader had originally planned to include a pair of cats, too, but an interspecies fracas ensued.

The New Yorker

This starts as a storybook app following the "silly fun adventures" of a pair of cats called Miko and Cola.

The Guardian - Tech

It sounded like a pair of cats dying of sunburn during the opening credits of 1980s BBC schools programme You and Me.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

His second wife, Charis Wilson, sits on the roof of their studio and wood shed, reading, with a pair of cats sunning themselves.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Dozier recently finished a pair of cat manikins.

The New York Times - Magazine

REMEMBER when a poster with a little French street waif or a pair of cat's eyes was enough to sell a Broadway show?

The New York Times

Take a pair of cat's-eye sunglasses ($2,400) embellished with little pink roses, which Schiaparelli designed in 1957 for American Optical.

The New York Times

Where once the show's dominant image was of that lithe dancer framed by a pair of cat's eyes, the television commercials became filled with the images of children having their faces painted to resemble the characters onstage.

The New York Times

Shades of which Audrey Hepburn would approve are making a big comeback this spring, so embrace this 50s throwback and grab a pair of cat-eye sunglasses.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pair of cats" when you want to subtly emphasize the companionship or relationship between the two felines.

Common error

Avoid using a singular verb with "pair" when you intend to refer to the individual cats. "A pair of cats are playing" is correct, while "A pair of cats is playing" is incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of cats" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to two cats considered together. The examples from Ludwig illustrate its usage in various contexts, from describing pets to characters in a story.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

13%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pair of cats" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to two felines, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's frequently found in news and media, academia, and general writing, as illustrated by the examples on Ludwig. While semantically similar to phrases like "two cats" or "a couple of cats", "a pair of cats" can subtly emphasize a connection or relationship between the animals. Remember to use a plural verb (are) with this phrase. Overall, it's a versatile and widely understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the two cats

Adds definiteness, specifying particular cats.

these cats

Refers to cats already mentioned or present.

a couple of cats

Employs a more casual expression for two.

two house cats

Focuses on their status as domestic pets.

two felines

Uses a more formal term for cats.

two kitties

Utilizes a more affectionate term for cats.

a feline duo

Highlights the pair as a unit with "duo".

a matched pair of cats

Emphasizes similarity or coordination between the cats.

two domestic shorthairs

Specifies the breed of the cats.

a brace of cats

Uses an archaic term for a pair.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pair of cats" to describe two cats that are together, such as: "A pair of cats wandered into the garden" or "I saw a pair of cats sleeping on the porch".

What are some alternatives to saying "a pair of cats"?

Alternatives include "two cats", "a couple of cats", or "two kitties", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a pair of cats is"?

No, it's generally incorrect. "Pair" functions as a plural when referring to the individual cats. The correct usage is "a pair of cats are".

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

Use "a pair of cats" when you want to subtly emphasize that the two cats belong together, such as a mated pair or two kittens from the same litter. It adds a bit more emphasis to their connection than simply saying "two cats".