a pair of options

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of options" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two choices or alternatives available for consideration. Example: "For the upcoming project, we have a pair of options to choose from: either to expand our current strategy or to explore new markets."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

For each, they were asked to guess the sign's meaning and given a pair of options: one telic, and one atelic describing a different kind of action altogether (one pair might, for example, be "forget" and "negotiate").Participants guessed correctly more than 90% of the time.

The Economist

The volunteers were asked to perform several tasks chosen by the partner from a pair of options.

Science Magazine

Today in conjunction with VMware, it announced a pair of options to bring AWS into the data center.

TechCrunch

In some contexts where the BIP operates there appears to be a determinate number of options, and perhaps even only a pair of options.

SEP

I says that whenever everybody's preferences concerning a pair of options are the same in one profile as they are in another, the social preference must also be the same at the two profiles, as far as this pair is concerned.

SEP

17 Participants were asked to select the 'dance class scenario' they preferred from a pair of options.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

From there, a pair of lavish $3,000 option packages — the Luxury group is required if you want the additional Technology package — raise the price to $38,900 and then $41,900.

The New York Times

Start with the Completeness axiom, which says that an agent can compare, in terms of the weak preference relation, all pairs of options in \(S\).

SEP

But when the sun is strong and the days are long, an additional, equally important pair of options crops up, and the choice between them can make or break a good night.

The New York Times - Food

True, the iPhone 7 gives you a number of options: Get a pair of Bluetooth headphones.

The Guardian - Tech

Then, we tested the preference for the same pair of options in the presence of an asymmetrically dominated decoy for either of the following: (a) the yellow area (Dy), exhibiting the smallest body size but with an intermediate yellow spot area, or (b) the body size (Ds), exhibiting the smallest yellow spot but with an intermediate body size.

Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "a pair of options", clearly define each choice and its potential consequences to aid decision-making.

Common error

Avoid presenting "a pair of options" with unnecessary complexity or jargon, which can confuse the audience. Keep the descriptions clear and concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of options" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts. The phrase denotes the existence of two available choices.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pair of options" is a grammatically sound and neutrally-registered term used to convey the availability of two choices. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object in a sentence. Its purpose is primarily to present two distinct possibilities, commonly seen in scientific, news, and general contexts. While alternatives like ""two choices"" or ""two alternatives"" offer similar meanings, "a pair of options" distinctly emphasizes the duality of the selection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two alternatives

Directly states the number and nature of the choices available.

two choices

A more common and straightforward way to express having two options.

a choice between two

Highlights the act of choosing between the two options.

a couple of possibilities

Emphasizes the potential or likelihood of the options.

two different selections

Focuses on the distinct nature of the options to choose from.

two available routes

Implies a path or course of action that can be taken.

dual alternatives

A more formal way of saying "two alternatives".

binary selection

Implies a forced choice between two mutually exclusive options.

a fork in the road

Metaphorically represents a point where two paths diverge.

a twofold selection

Highlights that a single choice results in a binary outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pair of options" to indicate that there are two choices available. For example, "The company presented "a pair of options" for resolving the issue".

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

You can use alternatives such as "two choices", "two alternatives", or "a couple of possibilities" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a pair of options" or "two options"?

Both "a pair of options" and "two options" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. "Two options" is more straightforward, while "a pair of options" might add a slightly more descriptive feel.

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

"A pair of options" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that there are specifically two choices available, often suggesting a binary decision. It's common in both formal and informal contexts.