a pair of each

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of each" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to having two of every item in a collection or set. Example: "For the art project, we need a pair of each color of paint to ensure we have enough for everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The sweepstakes will offer three grand prize winners — a man, a woman and a child — a pair of each men's, women's or children's shoe sold by Gander Mountain.

The New York Times

Of the sample earphones iLuv sent along, one pair didn't work at all, and another was missing parts—it only had one each of the large and small replacement ear plug tips, when a pair of each is required.

The New York Times

Ask around, as reader Gary from DC did, and you'll find many smart people will answer 11, which will guarantee a sock of each color, or 12, which will guarantee a pair of each color.

The New York Times

In sexually reproducing organisms, the number of chromosomes in the body (somatic) cells is diploid (2n; a pair of each chromosome), twice the haploid (1n) number found in the sex cells, or gametes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To evaluate the performance of the ISMs, we will need a pair of each image.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

To investigate the behavior of different types of electrodes, several titrations were performed using a pair of each of platinum, gold and silver as an indicating system.

Applied Water Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

For example: W.A.F.E (Water, Air, Fire, and Earth) List out a pairing of each of the results to where one result is paired with the other at least one time.

WikiHow

This time, the molecule would contain a pair of mesons, each consisting of a charm quark and an up quark.

The New York Times - Science

One depicts a pair of glasses, each lens showing one of the Twin Towers engulfed in smoke.

The New Yorker

(In an actual experiment, Alice and Bob have a pair of detectors each so that the photons in question are always captured, though in different places).

The New York Times - Science

Plant managers say they presume that the leaking parts are a pair of welds, each connecting one tube to the stainless-steel liner inside the vessel.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pair of each" when you want to emphasize that items are naturally or intentionally grouped in twos, such as "a pair of shoes" or "a pair of gloves".

Common error

Avoid using "a pair of each" when "two of each" would be clearer and more direct, especially in technical or formal contexts where precision is crucial.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of each" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying the quantity and distribution of items. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe chromosomes, shoes, electrodes and images demonstrating its versatile nature. It typically modifies a noun phrase indicating that there are two of every item being considered.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pair of each" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, though Ludwig indicates it is not as frequently used as simpler alternatives like "two of each". It serves to specify that there are two of every item in a given set, often emphasizing a natural or intended pairing. While appropriate for various contexts, it may be clearer to use "two of each" in more technical or formal settings. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in scientific, news, and general contexts, making it a versatile phrase for descriptive and instructive purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two of each

Uses the numeral "two" instead of the phrase "a pair", which directly indicates the quantity.

a couple of each

Employs "a couple" as a synonym for "a pair", offering a slightly more informal tone.

one pair for each

Reorders the phrase to emphasize the individual item before specifying the pair.

a duplicate of each

Focuses on the duplication aspect, highlighting that there are two identical items.

a set of two for each

Uses "set of two" to explicitly define the pair as a set containing two items.

dual copies of each

Replaces "pair" with "dual copies" to underscore the presence of two identical copies.

a brace of each

Uses the archaic term "brace" for a pair, which is less common but adds a distinctive flair.

a twosome of each

Substitutes "pair" with "twosome", emphasizing the grouping of two.

matched pairs of each

Highlights that the pairs are matched, implying similarity or intended pairing.

double of each

Shortens the phrase while keeping the quantity and iterative approach, but does not emphasize them being a pair.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pair of each" to describe having two of every item in a set or collection. For example, "The store sells "a pair of socks" for each size available."

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

Alternatives include "two of each", "a couple of each", or "duplicate of each", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it more formal to say "a pair of each" or "two of each"?

"A pair of each" is generally considered slightly less formal than "two of each", although both are widely acceptable. "Two of each" might be preferred in more technical or precise contexts.

What is the difference between "a pair of each" and "each pair"?

"A pair of each" means having two of every item in a set, while "each pair" refers to individual sets of two. For example, "We need "a pair of gloves" for each student" versus "Each pair of students will work together on the project".