a pair of ears

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of ears" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the physical ears of a person or metaphorically to indicate someone who is listening or paying attention. Example: "She always has a pair of ears ready to listen to my problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Attach a pair of ears, a pair of wiggle eyes, and 4 legs.

Princeton University

A pair of ears with fingers sticking in them might be better.

The Economist

But these programs are not as accurate as a pair of ears.

The New York Times - Tech

Finally, use brown construction paper to make a pair of ears, and then hot glue (or tape) them on.

Princeton University

Now there's "WAR", sprayed between a pair of ears, then "LOVE", with a drawing of the artist's daughter.

The Guardian

A pair of ears appears in the water in front of us; they twitch and are then submerged.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Whether it's a pair of ear climbers, new hoop earrings, a chunky necklace or a sentimental bracelet — there are so many new and exciting choices this season.

Forbes

I put in a pair of ear buds and lose myself in some music without guilt.

MIT Technology Review

I am even tempted to drop a pair of ear plugs into her mailbox.

The New York Times

Cabinet of implements such as a pair of ear taggers and some of the drugs commonly used for looking after the calves.

Cornell University

With a loudspeaker and subwoofer system that can crank up to 130dB or so, you should definitely have a pair of ear plugs to hand.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a pair of ears" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates that you are referring to someone's ability or willingness to listen, rather than their physical ears.

Common error

Avoid using "a pair of ears" in contexts where the literal, physical ears are intended if the surrounding text suggests a metaphorical meaning related to listening. This can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of ears" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As seen in Ludwig, it can refer literally to the physical ears or metaphorically to the act of listening. Ludwig AI explains the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

20%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pair of ears" is a versatile noun phrase with both literal and metaphorical applications. It commonly appears in contexts ranging from news and media to academia. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, highlighting its role in referring to physical ears or symbolizing active listening. When using this phrase, consider whether you intend the literal sense or the figurative meaning related to being heard and understood. Be aware that "a listening ear" is an alternative to emphasize empathy. "A pair of ears" has a neutral tone that is used widely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two ears

Simple numerical variation, specifying the quantity directly.

set of ears

Emphasizes the ears as a functional unit or collection.

the auditory organs

More formal and scientific term for the ears.

listening ears

Highlights the act of listening or paying attention.

attentive hearing

Focuses on the quality of the listening.

a listening ear

Singular form suggesting empathy and attention to detail

someone to listen

Shifts the focus from the physical attribute of listening to seeking someone who provides that capability

the ability to hear

Focuses on the sensory perception aspect.

sound receptors

Scientific phrasing focusing on the biological purpose.

channels of hearing

Metaphorical depiction of ears as conduits of sound.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pair of ears" to refer to the physical ears, as in "The hippo revealed "a pair of ears" in the water", or metaphorically, meaning someone is listening attentively, like "Sometimes, all a person needs is "a pair of ears" and a shoulder to lean on".

What are some alternatives to "a pair of ears"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "two ears" for the physical sense or "listening ears" to emphasize the act of listening.

Is it correct to say "a pair of ears"?

Yes, "a pair of ears" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to refer to two ears or to describe someone who is listening attentively.

When should I use "a listening ear" instead of "a pair of ears"?

"A listening ear" typically refers to someone who is willing to listen and offer support, whereas ""a pair of ears"" can refer to the physical ears or more generally to someone who is simply listening.