a pair of numbers

USAGE SUMMARY

"a pair of numbers" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can refer to any two numbers that are being considered together or compared. You can use it in many situations, such as in math problems, scientific data, statistics, or even when listing numbers in a sentence. Here is an example: "I need to compare a pair of numbers to determine which one is larger."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Inside each ship is a pair of numbers.

The New York Times - Tech

In addition, fiber optic cables are represented by a pair of numbers separated by a '/'.

Optoelectronics and Fiber Optic Technology

Thus, for every matchup, he is left with a pair of numbers.

The New York Times - Sports

In one of them, if you're thinking more in terms of the components of A, a pair of numbers for A and a pair of numbers for B, this definition of the dot product is very nice.

Yale University

prints the second end of each line, but as a value of type PointType, not as a pair of numbers.

Stanford University

The standard, which has been updated periodically over the decades, relies in particular on a pair of numbers.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

During a search of the Octavia police found five shotgun cartridges, a sawn-off shotgun, a quantity of tools, knives and a pair of number plates.

BBC

In exact-target trials, a pair of number targets was randomly selected for each subject with the constraint that two different numbers had to be presented (such as [1], [3], but not [1,1]).

Plosone

His famous Euclidean algorithm, when applied to a pair of natural numbers, leads in a finite number of steps to their greatest common divisor.

Britannica

The modern approach is to define a complex number x + iy as a pair of real numbers (x, y) subject to certain algebraic operations.

Britannica

The modern approach is to define a complex number x + iy as a pair of real numbers (x, y) subject to certain algebraic operations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a pair of numbers", ensure the context clearly indicates what these numbers represent and why they are being considered together. For example, "The coordinates are expressed as a pair of numbers, x and y."

Common error

Avoid using "a pair of numbers" when the quantity is not exactly two or when the specific number of elements is already known. For instance, instead of saying "a pair of numbers were used," specify "two numbers were used" if clarity is needed.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "a pair of numbers" is that of a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig's examples illustrate its versatility in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

32%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pair of numbers" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase across a range of contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It's most prevalent in scientific, news, and academic settings, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies the significance of considering the two numbers together. Consider alternatives like ""two numbers"" or ""an ordered pair"" depending on your specific needs. Be mindful of the quantity and the relationship of the numbers to ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two numbers

This alternative uses a simpler and more direct phrasing.

a couple of numbers

This option uses a more colloquial term for "two".

a set of two numbers

This is a more formal and explicit way to say the same thing.

an ordered pair

This term implies that the order of the numbers matters, as in coordinates.

a numeric couple

This alternative uses "couple" as a noun modifier, emphasizing the relationship.

dual numbers

This version highlights the duality or paired nature of the numbers.

a combination of two numbers

This option stresses the idea of selecting or grouping two numbers.

a duo of numbers

This variant employs "duo", a term borrowed from music, to represent a pair.

number pairing

This phrasing focuses on the act of pairing numbers.

a twosome of numbers

This option, using "twosome", is a less common but still valid alternative.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pair of numbers" to refer to two numbers that are related or considered together. For example, "The solution can be represented by "a pair of numbers" (x, y)."

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

You can use alternatives like "two numbers", "a couple of numbers", or "an ordered pair" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a pair of numbers"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that you are dealing with exactly two numbers that are considered as a set or unit, especially when the relationship between them is important.

Is "a pair of numbers" formal or informal?

"A pair of numbers" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The formality of the surrounding language will have a greater impact on the overall tone.