a pair of guns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of guns" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts referring to firearms or, colloquially, to describe someone's muscular arms. Example: "He walked into the room with a pair of guns that turned heads."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Hostages poured out, and Mateen — armed with a pair of guns — came out as well.

The Washington Post

Ricky Wills, 59, kept his permit after recently spending several months behind bars for terrorizing his estranged wife and their daughter with a pair of guns and then shooting at their house while they, along with a sheriff's deputy who had responded to a 911 call, were inside.

The New York Times

In a case involving a white supremacist who used a pair of guns to shoot up a Jewish community center and the surrounding neighborhood in Los Angeles in 1999, a court dismissed the case brought by the family of one victim, a postal worker, against Glock, the U.S.-licensed maker of the pistol used to kill him.

The Washington Post

That's a far cry from Jolie's version of Lara, who swooped into the movies fully formed, dangling from a rope with lethal poise and a pair of guns strapped to her gams.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

At one point in the concluding episode of this two-part series, he attacked a pair of gun-toting criminals on a motorbike with a bin and in the process actually managed to make rubbish look sexy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Their act, a multicultural, banlieue version of Laurel and Hardy, was a satire of the life of the French underclass, in which they played a pair of gun-and-knife-wielding delinquents, as well as the local cops, the two-faced journalists, and the intellectuals in black-framed glasses called in to comment on moral decline and social alienation.

The New Yorker

Along the way, she encounters a stubbornly affectionate giant of a dog, a boy named Pietro who believes that the virus can be avoided by wearing a certain brand of sports shoes, and a pair of gun-crazed twins who dole out medicines from their parents' shop in exchange for Massimo Ranieri CDs.

The Guardian - Books

Visit to the Todd shipyard, in Bklyn., to examin the Israeli Navy (a pair of gun boats, a frigate called Misgay, and a corvette, the Haganah), Joe Wolhande publicity man for an outfit that hopes to sell half a billion dollars worth of Istaeli bonds in this country, had arranged for 70 of the sailors to march around Ebbets Field, where they were to see their first ball game.

The New Yorker

In 2016, three days after the massacre at the Pulse night club, in Orlando, Murphy staged a fifteen-hour filibuster to get the Senate to vote on a pair of gun-control proposals, and he ended by telling the story of a teacher's aide in Sandy Hook who had died with her arms wrapped around the body of a six-year-old autistic boy in her charge.

The New Yorker

Three guns were mounted in casemates amidships on either side, with a pair of gun turrets above them.

Wikipedia

The modernization involved radical reconstruction of the hull; the bow and stern were cut down to make room for a pair of gun turrets, each mounting a single 230 mm 40-caliber gun manufactured by Vickers.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing characters in fiction, use "a pair of guns" to create a vivid image of being armed and dangerous. Remember that this phrasing is more impactful than simply saying someone 'had guns'.

Common error

Avoid using "a pair of guns" in statistical or abstract discussions about gun control or firearm ownership. This phrase is best suited for describing specific instances, not broad policy issues.

Linguistic Context

Noun phrase acting as an object or complement. The phrase "a pair of guns" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig examples show it describing what someone possesses or uses. This construction indicates possession or means and it is deemed correct by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pair of guns" is a grammatically correct noun phrase, typically used in descriptive or narrative contexts to indicate that someone possesses or is using two guns. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and while it appears most frequently in news and media, its usage is considered uncommon overall. When employing this phrase, consider your audience and the specific implications you want to convey. For formal writing, "two firearms" might be a preferable alternative. As shown by the examples provided by Ludwig, the phrase is versatile but particularly effective in creating vivid and impactful imagery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two firearms

Direct synonym focusing on the technical term for guns.

a couple of guns

Informal synonym using a more casual term for 'two'.

two handguns

Specifies the type of guns being referred to.

a set of pistols

More formal and specific term for handguns.

dual weapons

More generic term, not necessarily implying firearms.

matching guns

Implies the guns are identical or designed to be used together.

his and hers guns

Suggests ownership by two different people.

a brace of pistols

Archaic term for a pair of pistols.

complementary weapons

Highlights the functionality of the two guns working in tandem.

a matched set of revolvers

Specific type of firearm, emphasizing the matching aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pair of guns" to describe someone armed with two guns, as in, "The robber emerged from the bank with "a pair of guns" in hand."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "two firearms", "a couple of handguns", or "dual weapons" to convey a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the level of formality and specific detail required.

Is it appropriate to use "a pair of guns" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a pair of guns" might sound less formal than alternatives like "two firearms". Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing your words.

What does "a pair of guns" imply about the person carrying them?

The phrase often suggests that the person is either well-prepared for combat, intending to cause harm, or involved in a situation requiring significant firepower. However, the specific implication depends heavily on the context.