a pair of keys

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of keys" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it any time you need to refer to two keys. For example: "I found a pair of keys near the door."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Every asymmetric cipher requires a pair of keys before any cryptographic operation can be performed.

Java Cryptography Extensions Practical Guide for Programmers

Now it's dark enough to lose a pair of keys in the ornate couches.

The New York Times

PGP works by assigning each user a pair of keys – one public and one private.

The Guardian - Tech

Asymmetric encryption, or public-key cryptography, requires a pair of keys; one for encryption and one for decryption.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The verdict: Many people should consider signing up for the security system and buying a pair of keys.

The New York Times - Tech

Co-founded in 1888 by the actor Edwin Booth, the club faces the park and controls a pair of keys.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

A pair of key differences in the brain may help distinguish which seniors are at risk of falling prey to financial scams, a small new study suggests.

Cornell University

Illinois (12-3, 2-0 Big Ten) also got 13 points from forward Brian Cook, including a pair of key 3-pointers in the second half, and 12 from Cory Bradford.

The New York Times - Sports

IOWA 50, IOWA STATE 42 Melissa Dixon hit a pair of key shots down the stretch as host Iowa (7-3) beat No. 22 Iowa State (5-1).

The New York Times - Sports

A chronicle of rock en espanol's early, punk-inspired years, with an emphasis on the Mexican pioneers of the movement but also including a pair of key cuts by Los Fabulosos Cadillacs.

The New York Times - Arts

Thanks to sizzling goaltending from Reinhard Divis and a pair of key goals by Christoph Brandner, Austria held last year's silver medalist Finland to a shocking 3-3 tin in Group B play.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to asymmetrical encryption, use "a pair of keys" to specifically denote the public and private key combination.

Common error

Be precise: "keys" alone could imply more than two. If you mean exactly two, use "a pair of keys" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of keys" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific quantity (two) of the object "keys". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pair of keys" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression referring to two keys. As Ludwig AI confirms, it fits seamlessly into various contexts, from everyday scenarios to technical discussions. The phrase sees frequent use in news and media, science, and academic writings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying its exact meaning, especially in technical or cryptographic contexts. While simple, this phrase conveys a specific quantity and adds precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two keys

Direct synonym using a numeral instead of "pair".

a couple of keys

Uses "couple" as an alternative to "pair", implying a small number.

set of keys

Refers to a group of keys that belong together, possibly more than two.

matching keys

Emphasizes that the keys are related or designed to work together.

duplicate keys

Highlights that one key is a copy of the other.

spare keys

Suggests the keys are backups in case the primary key is lost.

brace of keys

A less common, more formal synonym for "a pair of keys".

the keys

More generic, referring to a specific set of keys known to the speakers.

certain keys

Suggests that the keys are specific or identifiable.

double set of keys

Emphasizes that there are two complete and distinct key sets.

FAQs

How to use "a pair of keys" in a sentence?

You can use "a pair of keys" to refer to two keys that are meant to be used together, such as "I found "a pair of keys" near the door".

What can I say instead of "a pair of keys"?

Alternatives include "two keys", "set of keys", or "matching keys", depending on the context.

Is it more common to say "a pair of keys" or simply "keys"?

Saying simply "keys" might imply an unspecified number. "A pair of keys" is used to specify that you are referring to exactly two keys.

In cryptography, why is "a pair of keys" used instead of just one?

In asymmetric cryptography, ""a pair of keys"" (public and private) is used for encryption and decryption, ensuring secure communication. The public key encrypts and the private key decrypts.