a pair of ducks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of ducks" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to two ducks that are considered as a unit or together as a pair. Example: "I saw a pair of ducks swimming in the pond this morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Mrs. Moltke's letters to Count Moltke in prison concerned farm matters, like the wisdom of keeping a pair of ducks.

The New York Times

DON'T you love it right after the rain?" Elizabeth Barlow Rogers asked, pointing delightedly at a pair of ducks as she walked through Central Park one misty morning.

The New York Times

One of them depicts Canada geese flying across the lake, one is a pair of ducks, one is a buffalo very similar to the one on the buffalo nickel, one is a black bear and one has dogwood branches with flowers and a red cardinal.

The New York Times - Travel

Titled "5:29 Bay Shore," the work contains images of a Long Island Rail Road locomotive, a pair of ducks and other photographs that Rauschenberg, who died in 2008, made in and around Bay Shore, said Bill Goldston, 69, director of Universal Limited Art Editions, which started in a cottage in West Islip in 1957 and is now headquartered in Bay Shore, which is also in the Town of Islip.

The New York Times

The 29-year-old was eventually caught and bowled by Johnson, four short of the third double ton of his career, before Dean Elgar suffered the ignominy of completing a pair of ducks on debut.

BBC

Gooch made a made a pair of ducks on his Test debut in 1975 but went on to captain England in 34 Tests during a 20-year international career.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

The most extraordinary of all such combinations, he says, is "an infant's head of about two years old, with a pair of duck's wings placed under its chin, supposed always to be flying about, and singing psalms".

The Guardian - Books

I did this the other night with a pair of duck breasts I had spread with a paste of orange zest and crushed dried chillies, then roasted, exploiting the pan juices with those of an orange and a lemon that I had chucked into the roasting tin - a startling new way to dress a salad for a winter's day.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There are whimsical pieces too, the most dramatic of which are four life-size creatures in white porcelain, including an enormous peacock made in Meissen for the Japanese palace in 1732 and a pair of duck tureens in the trompe l'oeil style.

The New York Times - Travel

A visit to Miloski's provided two fresh, plump free range chickens and a pair of duck breast for our dinner.

Huffington Post

Fetch a pair of old white shoes that you don't mind turning into a pair of duck tape shoes.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing ducks, specify their breed (e.g., mallards, Rouen ducks) for enhanced clarity and precision. Using "a pair of Rouen ducks" provides more detail than simply saying "a pair of ducks".

Common error

Avoid using "pair of duck" when referring to two ducks. The correct form is "a pair of ducks", ensuring that the noun "ducks" is plural to match the concept of a pair.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of ducks" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a common phrase used to refer to two ducks considered as a unit.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pair of ducks" is a grammatically sound noun phrase that is used to describe two ducks. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not exceedingly common, it appears frequently enough in diverse sources like News & Media and Wiki to be considered a valid and understandable expression. Usage ranges from describing literal pairs of ducks in nature or art, to even metaphorical usages. When using the phrase, ensure correct plural agreement (ducks, not duck) and consider adding descriptive details like breed for better clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two ducks

Replaces the more descriptive "a pair of" with the numerical "two", maintaining the same meaning but with a slightly less descriptive tone.

a brace of ducks

Replaces "pair" with "brace", which is an archaic term for two of some game birds, including ducks. It adds a more traditional or old-fashioned feel.

a couple of ducks

Substitutes "pair" with "couple", providing a more general and informal way to indicate two ducks.

two waterfowl

Replaces "ducks" with the broader category "waterfowl", generalizing the type of birds being referred to.

a male and female duck

Specifies the gender composition of the pair, adding detail not present in the original phrase.

a duo of ducks

Uses the word 'duo' in place of 'pair' adding a slightly more stylized or descriptive tone.

two mallards

Replaces "ducks" with the specific breed "mallards", narrowing the focus to a particular type of duck.

a mating pair of ducks

Adds the information that the ducks are a mating pair, implying a relationship beyond just being two individual ducks.

two swimming birds

Replaces "ducks" with a more generic description, referring to them as "swimming birds".

a set of ducks

Replaces 'pair' with 'set', suggesting that the ducks belong together.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pair of ducks" to describe two ducks seen together, like "I saw "a pair of ducks" swimming in the lake" or "A pair of ducks nested in the reeds near the riverbank".

What's a more descriptive alternative to "a pair of ducks"?

Depending on the context, you could use more specific terms like "two mallards" if you know the breed, or descriptive phrases such as "a mating pair of ducks" to indicate their relationship.

Is it correct to say "a couple of ducks" instead of "a pair of ducks"?

Yes, "a couple of ducks" is a common and acceptable alternative to "a pair of ducks". Both phrases indicate two ducks, although "couple" might be slightly more informal.

What is the difference between "a brace of ducks" and "a pair of ducks"?

"A brace of ducks" is an older, more traditional term primarily used in hunting contexts to refer to two ducks, whereas ""a pair of ducks"" is a more general term for two ducks seen together.