a pair of flats

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of flats" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a type of footwear, specifically flat shoes that do not have a significant heel. Example: "I decided to wear a pair of flats to the event for comfort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

She always carries a pair of flats and advises passengers to do the same.

The New York Times - Travel

Now I carry a pair of flats in my bag wherever I go.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

While in Milan I had seen and admired a pair of flats on the editor Giovanna Battaglia.

The New York Times

Does the twenty-first-century woman, regardless of how fascinated she is with fashion, really just wish she could pull on a pair of shiny leggings, toss a sequined tunic over her head, slide into a pair of flats, and be done with it?

The New Yorker

Until you find a high heel that you can walk in, buy a pair of flats, such as ones by Rollasole, which you can roll up and keep in your handbag so at least you will get to and from your party without falling in a manhole.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The femininity issue is, I suspect, quite a common one, as height – bafflingly – is too often seen as an unfeminine quality in a woman and so, rather than being seen as yet more unfeminine by clunking around in a pair of flats, lots of tall women reach for the high heels.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

A pair of flat-screen computers that display family photos and play songs are on display.

The New York Times

Millstone, one of a pair of flat, round stones used for grinding grain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Stopping off in shoes, we marveled at a pair of flat Marc Jacobs suede over-the-knee boots encircled with zippers.

The New York Times

Instead, my husband and I crammed into a stiff double bed with a thin matelassé cover and a pair of flat pillows.

The New York Times - Travel

His replacement, Enrico Di Giuseppe, was a head shorter than Corelli, and Ms. Ludwig had to look frantically for a pair of flat shoes to change into.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pair of flats" when describing an outfit or suggesting footwear for comfort and practicality. It's especially relevant when contrasting with high heels or other less comfortable options.

Common error

While "a pair of flats" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it repetitively in close proximity. Vary your language by using alternatives like "flat shoes" or describing the specific style (e.g., "ballet flats") to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of flats" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a specific type of footwear. As shown by Ludwig, the expression is deemed correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pair of flats" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to flat shoes, as affirmed by Ludwig. Its usage spans across various contexts, from fashion advice to practical considerations, with a neutral register suitable for general audiences. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, as well as wiki-type resources. For alternative expressions, consider using "flat shoes", "ballet flats", or simply "flats", depending on the specific context. Remember to use the phrase judiciously and vary your language for enhanced writing quality. Ludwig AI confirms the expression is correct and suitable for use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flat shoes

This is a more general term referring to footwear without heels, encompassing various styles.

ballet flats

Specifically refers to flats that resemble ballet slippers, emphasizing a particular style.

casual flats

Focuses on the informal nature and versatility of flats.

loafers

Indicates a specific type of flat shoe, typically made of leather and often worn in more formal settings.

slip-on shoes

Highlights the ease of wearing flats, focusing on the fact that they can be easily slipped on and off.

driving shoes

Specifies a type of flat shoe designed for driving, emphasizing comfort and grip.

walking shoes

Emphasizes the practicality of flats for walking and everyday activities.

sensible shoes

Focuses on practicality and comfort, implying a choice against high heels.

comfortable shoes

Broader term emphasizing comfort, of which flats are a subset.

low-heeled shoes

A more general term that includes flats, but also shoes with very small heels.

FAQs

How do you use "a pair of flats" in a sentence?

You can use "a pair of flats" to describe footwear choices, such as: "She packed "a pair of flats" for the trip so she would have something comfortable to wear" or "For a casual look, try pairing jeans with "a pair of flats"".

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

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "flat shoes", "ballet flats", or simply "flats" to refer to the same type of footwear. The best choice depends on the specific style and situation.

Is it correct to say "a pair of flats" or should I say "flat shoes"?

Both "a pair of flats" and "flat shoes" are correct. "A pair of flats" is more specific, implying two individual shoes that match, while "flat shoes" is a more general term that can encompass various styles of footwear without heels.

What's the difference between "a pair of flats" and "a pair of heels"?

"A pair of flats" refers to shoes that have little to no heel, prioritizing comfort and practicality. In contrast, "a pair of heels" indicates shoes with a raised heel, often chosen for style or to add height.