a pair of cufflinks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of cufflinks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a set of two cufflinks, typically worn as a decorative fastener for shirt cuffs. Example: "He received a beautiful pair of cufflinks as a gift for his wedding day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Not long ago I asked a salesman there about a pair of cufflinks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not long ago, I asked a salesman there about a pair of cufflinks.

The New Yorker

(He spent his 30th birthday at the Reagan White House and was given a pair of cufflinks by the former president).

The New York Times

At one L.C.V. event, he seemed inexplicably disappointed when he wasn't able to present a pair of cufflinks to the California Senate's president pro tempore, Kevin de León, after de León failed to show.

The New Yorker

A frieze of rabbits jumping across the façade of 1040 Park Avenue, a white-glove building dating to 1924, inspired her Racing Hare Brooch ($430); a geometric flower carving at 19 East 88th Street became a pair of cufflinks ($365).

The New York Times

He is cast as a cashier at the diner who spouts overwrought imagery saying, for example, that someone is "working harder than Stephen Hawking putting on a pair of cufflinks".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Tells of a man and woman hunting a pair of cufflinks-topaz so the man tells the traffic policeman when he asks them what they are doing.

The New Yorker

By James Thurber The New Yorker, July 23 , 1932P. 14 Tells of a man and woman hunting a pair of cufflinks-topaz so the man tells the traffic policeman when he asks them what they are doing.

The New Yorker

"Let's say I gave you a pair of silver cufflinks.

The New Yorker

First Lady Melania Trump gave a pair of silver cufflinks by New York designer David Yurman for May's husband Philip.

The Guardian

The shirt has French cuffs so I wore a pair of Ethiopian cufflinks with the Ethiopian lion on them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pair of cufflinks" when referring to two matching cufflinks that are designed to be worn together on a shirt cuff.

Common error

Avoid using "a cufflink" when you mean to refer to a set of two. Cufflinks are typically sold and worn in pairs, so using the singular form can be confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of cufflinks" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific item, cufflinks, and quantifies it as a pair, indicating two matching items designed to be worn together. Ludwig AI confirms this with real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pair of cufflinks" is a noun phrase referring to two matching cufflinks worn as a decorative fastener for shirt cuffs. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media. While cufflinks often imply formality, the phrase itself remains neutral. For alternatives, consider "set of cufflinks" or "cufflink set". When writing, ensure you use the plural form "cufflinks" when referring to the pair, and remember that the phrase describes a specific item, making it valuable for detailed descriptions or references to fashion and gifts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set of cufflinks

Replaces "pair" with "set" while retaining the meaning of two matching cufflinks.

cufflink set

Reorders the words and implies a matching set of cufflinks.

two cufflinks

Specifies the quantity of cufflinks.

matching cufflinks

Emphasizes that the cufflinks are designed to be worn together.

formal cufflinks

Highlights the occasion for which cufflinks are used.

dress cufflinks

Highlights the occasion for which cufflinks are used.

shirt cufflinks

Focuses on the garment they are intended for.

cuff fasteners

Describes the function of the cufflinks.

sleeve buttons

Describes the function of the cufflinks.

decorative cuff links

Adds more emphasis to the visual appeal of the cufflinks.

FAQs

How do I properly use "a pair of cufflinks" in a sentence?

Use "a pair of cufflinks" to refer to two matching cufflinks. For example: "He received "a pair of cufflinks" as a gift."

What is a more formal way to say "a pair of cufflinks"?

While "a pair of cufflinks" is already suitable for most formal contexts, you could use "cufflink set" or "formal cufflinks" depending on the emphasis you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a cufflink" instead of "a pair of cufflinks"?

No, "a cufflink" refers to only one cufflink, while cufflinks are typically worn as a pair. Use ""a pair of cufflinks"" to refer to the set.

What's the difference between "a pair of cufflinks" and "sleeve buttons"?

"Sleeve buttons" is a broader term that can refer to any type of fastener used to close a shirt's cuffs, while "a pair of cufflinks" specifically refers to decorative, detachable fasteners.