a pair of khakis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of khakis" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific type of pants made from khaki fabric, typically casual or semi-formal wear. Example: "For the picnic, I decided to wear a pair of khakis with a simple t-shirt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Buy a pair of khakis.

The New York Times - Arts

"You can wear just a pair of khakis and a summery shirt," Mr. Jenkins said.

The New York Times

"A chain store can sell a pair of khakis for sixteen dollars," he said.

The New Yorker

The look works best with jeans or a pair of khakis.

The New York Times - Style

King wears a pair of khakis, a long-sleeved T-shirt and a Kangol flat cap turned backwards.

Independent

Steyer put on a pair of khakis, changed into a blue shirt, and read his script aloud.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

I stayed home in a pair of khaki Old Navy shorts and a white Brooks Brothers short-sleeved cotton shirt.

The New York Times

Charles Matthews was wearing his only possessions: a pair of khaki pants, a khaki shirt, a yellow T-shirt and brown shoes.

The New York Times

She took a pair of khaki pants, dabbed a tiny bit of red paint in the crotch, and wore them to a gig at a club called Largo.

The New Yorker

"He probably had on a pair of khaki shorts and a gray sweatshirt," Mr. Martin said, adding that he may have been wearing white and red athletic shoes.

The New York Times

He wore a pink shirt, a yellow tie with black dots, a pair of khaki Army pants, and Army shoes that one could buy cheaply.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an outfit, specify the brand or cut of "a pair of khakis" to add detail. For example, mention 'a pair of slim-fit khakis from Dockers' instead of just 'a pair of khakis'.

Common error

Don't assume that "a pair of khakis" always refers to beige or tan pants. Khaki is a fabric that comes in various colors, so specify the color if needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of khakis" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the object of a preposition. Ludwig examples show it describing what someone is wearing or purchasing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pair of khakis" is a common and correct noun phrase used to describe a particular style of pants, frequently appearing in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity and broad applicability. While versatile, the appropriateness of wearing "a pair of khakis" depends on the context, highlighting the importance of understanding dress codes and audience expectations. Alternatives like "khaki trousers" or "tan slacks" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

khaki trousers

Focuses on the material and style of the pants.

khaki pants

A more direct alternative focusing on the material and type of garment.

tan slacks

Uses color and garment type to describe a similar style of pants.

casual trousers

Emphasizes the informality of the pants.

cotton chinos

Highlights the fabric and style.

business casual pants

Focuses on appropriate settings.

dress pants

Highlights the degree of formality.

beige bottoms

Emphasizes color and garment area.

light-colored pants

Describes the color without mentioning a specific material or style.

everyday pants

Focuses on frequent use and versatility.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pair of khakis" to describe casual or semi-formal attire, such as: "He wore a blazer with "a pair of khakis" to the meeting."

What's a synonym for "a pair of khakis"?

Alternatives include "khaki trousers", "khaki pants", or "tan slacks", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to wear "a pair of khakis" to a job interview?

It depends on the company culture. While "a pair of khakis" can be suitable for business-casual environments, it's best to research the dress code beforehand. In more formal settings, "dress pants" may be more appropriate.

What kind of shoes should I wear with "a pair of khakis"?

The shoe choice depends on the occasion. Loafers, dress shoes, or even clean sneakers can complement "a pair of khakis" for a semi-formal look. Avoid overly athletic or worn-out shoes.