a pair of feet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of feet" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to two feet as a unit, often in contexts related to walking, measurement, or anatomy. Example: "After a long day of hiking, my pair of feet was sore and tired."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Then they saw a pair of feet and "decided to go back," Sgt. Nieves said.

The New York Times

On a fifth, someone points a camera down at a pair of feet standing on pavement.

The New York Times - Arts

Repeatedly, there was an abrupt pan down to a pair of feet.

The New Yorker

One clay couch has nothing on it but a pair of feet.

The Guardian - Arts

A pair of feet in their shoes lay unattached to a body.

The Guardian

Doors opened and a pair of feet in impossibly high, dominatrix-style, designer spike heels swung out of the car.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Eleanor Billet, a new dealer in New York, has a pair of unpainted antique English stone chairs with carved griffin-head bases and a pair of foot-tall, moss-covered old stone balls from England that together weigh 600 pounds.

The New York Times - Arts

With the exception of its wires and a pair of foot-diameter black disks at the center of each wheel, the Tidal Force is a high-end, front-suspension mountain bike whose folding frame was designed for military use.

The New York Times

The other two are hatched from the first Thing's egg, after quite a bit of worshipful kootch dancing from a pair of foot-tall native goddesses.This Thing's progeny are big worms.

The New York Times

The Chambers show has a pair of foot-tall Chinese side chairs in red sandstone, a limestone altar table, a Qingdou lute stand, a chess table with a limestone top and elm base, and a pair of pagoda-shaped hexagonal stands.

The New York Times - Arts

As a transcriptionist you would be a using a pair of foot pedals which would be connected to your computer.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about movement or physical activity, use "a pair of feet" to provide a vivid image of locomotion or stance.

Common error

Avoid using the singular 'foot' when referring to both feet unless in specific idiomatic expressions. Always use "a pair of feet" or "feet" for the anatomical and functional context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of feet" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject or object in a sentence, referring to two feet considered as a unit. Ludwig provides various examples of this usage, showcasing its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Arts

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pair of feet" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from reputable sources, indicating its acceptance across different contexts. Its primary function is to refer to two feet as a single unit, often in descriptions of movement, physical attributes, or symbolic representations. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, it appears most frequently in news and media, followed by arts-related content. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning, avoiding the singular 'foot' unless appropriate. For similar expressions, consider alternatives like "two feet" or "footwear" depending on the specific context you are trying to communicate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two feet

More direct and simple way of mentioning the same thing.

a set of feet

Emphasizes the collection or grouping of the feet.

someone's feet

Indicates possession or association with an individual.

the feet

Referring to specific feet within a given context.

footprints

Focuses on the marks left by feet, rather than the feet themselves.

lower extremities

More formal and anatomical term for the legs and feet.

pedal extremities

A more technical way of referring to feet.

walking ability

Highlights the function associated with feet.

gait

Focuses on the manner of walking.

footwork

Emphasizes the skill or technique of using the feet.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pair of feet" to describe movement, physical characteristics, or even abstract concepts. For example, "A pair of feet shuffled across the wooden floor" or "The sculpture featured "a pair of feet" made from clay".

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "two feet", "pedal extremities", or simply "footwear" if you're referring to what's on the feet.

Is it ever correct to say "a foot" instead of "a pair of feet"?

Yes, but only when referring to a single foot or using "foot" as a unit of measurement. "A pair of feet" refers to both feet together.

What's the difference between "a pair of feet" and "footwork"?

"A pair of feet" refers to the physical body parts, while "footwork" describes the skill or technique of using one's feet, particularly in sports or dance.