a pair of legs

USAGE SUMMARY

'a pair of legs' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a body part or to talk about items that come in pairs, such as socks or furniture. For example, "The man had a strong, muscular pair of legs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Another painting shows a pair of legs in a bathtub.

The New York Times

For instance, Colbert has gained a pair of legs.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Honda's first bipedal robot, unveiled in 1986, was just a pair of legs.

The New York Times

I needed a pair of legs to escape this nightmare tour," they joked.

The Guardian - Music

Gedi Sibony pieces together a pair of legs from small stones and cement.

The New York Times - Arts

A pair of legs are found on each of segments three through six.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The 0.4 is just a pelvis and a pair of legs, so what does it know?

The New York Times

"We have a pair of legs in our morgue," he said.

The New York Times

The development platform consists of a pair of legs mounted adjacently to each other on a linear slide.

Mechatronics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Well, obviously, looking inside the bus, it was absolutely total carnage, there was a lot of twisted metal, human remains, and certainly that [a pair of legs in pinstriped trousers] was quite a prominent feature.

Independent

A pair of legs muscular and hairy and old and bare were sticking out of the wide-open rear door of the van.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character or object, use "a pair of legs" to vividly depict their physical appearance or movement. For instance, "The robot was equipped with a sturdy pair of legs."

Common error

Ensure clarity when using "a pair of legs" in descriptions. Avoid vague references that could lead to misinterpretation. Instead of saying, "They saw a pair of legs," specify to whom or what the legs belonged.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of legs" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a physical attribute, action, or state of being related to legs. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pair of legs" is a common and grammatically sound English phrase predominantly used to describe the physical limbs used for walking. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and appears frequently in various contexts, especially in news and media. It can be used literally or metaphorically, and while generally neutral in register, its specific connotation depends on the context. When using this phrase, ensure clarity to avoid ambiguity and consider more formal alternatives like "lower extremities" in certain settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two legs

Replaces the phrase with a simpler, more direct description of quantity.

a set of legs

A slightly different way to phrase the same concept, using "set" instead of "pair".

lower extremities

Uses a more formal and anatomical term to refer to legs.

ambulatory limbs

Highlights the function of legs as limbs used for walking.

supporting limbs

Emphasizes the legs' role in providing support.

walking appendages

A more technical description, suitable for scientific contexts.

a bipedal stance

Focuses on the posture enabled by having two legs.

pedal extremities

Uses a more clinical and anatomical term.

leg supports

Highlights the supportive function of the legs.

two stilts

Implies legs are long and stiff

FAQs

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

You can use "a pair of legs" to describe someone's physical appearance, their ability to walk, or even as a metaphorical reference. For example: "She had a strong "pair of legs" that carried her through the marathon."

What phrases can I use instead of "a pair of legs"?

Alternatives include "two legs", "lower extremities", or "walking appendages", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "a pair of legs" or "two legs"?

Both "a pair of legs" and "two legs" are correct. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific context. "A pair of legs" often carries a more descriptive or evocative tone.

How does the meaning of "a pair of legs" change in different contexts?

While primarily referring to the physical limbs used for walking, "a pair of legs" can also appear in metaphorical contexts, such as describing a piece of furniture with leg supports or in abstract artistic representations.