a pair of pillars

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of pillars" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two pillars that are either physical structures or metaphorical representations. Example: "The ancient temple was supported by a pair of pillars that stood majestically at the entrance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

At one point two dancers were caught between a pair of pillars.

The New York Times - Arts

A regal fantasia of white ceramic tiles embellished with crosses, topped by a white embroidered gown with heavy white swag, it is surrounded by silver vessels, cushions, flowers, a pair of pillars studded with seashells, and other ritual items.

The New York Times - Arts

High-Positioned Air Spring In this system, centrifugal acceleration forces the car body to tilt around the centre of a pair of air springs which are installed on a pair of pillars which sit on the train bogie.

Urban Rail Transit

A pair of pillars lend drama to the front entrance.

Los Angeles Times

Her 156.5 m flight deck was 23 m wide and extended well beyond the aft end of her superstructure, supported by a pair of pillars.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Julian stood between a pair of crazed pillars, watching him.

The New Yorker

In front of the skeleton were low walls between a pair of tan pillars, and a woman with a brown pony tail looked in, brandishing a yellow hairbrush.

The New York Times - Magazine

A pair of stone pillars that once marked the entrance to La Cañada's historic El Retiro estate — now known as Lanterman House museum — were recently uncovered on Verdugo Boulevard at Encinas Drive, after a neighbor discovered them during a walk and contacted city officials.

Los Angeles Times

A pair of ancient-looking pillar gateways to his riverbank garden were made from chipped and broken blocks of concrete dumped by a local building crew.

The New York Times

On the alternating pillars and columns (that is, a pair of columns between each pillar), one encounters for the first time the cubical, or cushion, capital that was later to become such a characteristic feature of the Romanesque style.

Britannica

The Treaty ushered in a new and, for Europe, unprecedentedly embracing political entity in the form of the European Union, encompassing the already familiar European Communities alongside a pair of ambitious, albeit intergovernmental, "pillars" representing foreign and security policy, on the one hand, and justice and home affairs, on the other.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing architectural elements, use "a pair of pillars" to denote structural support or aesthetic symmetry at entrances, bridges or buildings.

Common error

Avoid using the singular form "a pillar" when referring to the intended dual structure. "A pair" emphasizes the presence of two distinct, yet related, support elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of pillars" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It denotes a specific quantity (two) of a particular structural element (pillars). Ludwig examples showcase its usage in describing architectural or supportive elements.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pair of pillars" is a grammatically sound noun phrase denoting two pillars, often serving a structural or decorative function. According to Ludwig, its usage is considered correct, though relatively rare. It appears in various contexts, from describing architectural features in news articles to discussing structural elements in scientific papers and Wiki articles. While the phrase can be used in both formal and informal settings, it maintains a generally neutral tone. When writing, remember that "pillars" is always plural in this context. Alternatives such as "two columns" or "twin pillars" can be used to vary your phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paired columns

Short and direct synonym.

two columns

Focuses on the structural aspect using a synonym for pillar.

a couple of columns

Replaces "pair" with "couple", maintaining the meaning.

twin pillars

Emphasizes the identical nature or mirroring of the pillars.

matching pillars

Highlights the similarity or uniformity between the pillars.

corresponding pillars

Highlights the connection and alignment of the pillars.

a set of pillars

Uses "set" to indicate a collection or grouping of pillars.

duplicate pillars

Stresses the identical nature of the pillars.

two supporting columns

Explicitly states the function of the pillars as providing support.

a bilateral structure

Highlights the symmetry and structure provided by the two pillars.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pair of pillars" to describe architectural features or structural supports, as in "a pair of pillars lend drama to the front entrance" or "The bridge was supported by "six pairs of pillars".

What are some alternatives to "a pair of pillars"?

Some alternatives include "two columns", "twin pillars", or "matching pillars", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a pair of pillar" instead of "a pair of pillars"?

No, the correct phrasing is "a pair of pillars". The noun "pillars" should be plural to agree with the quantifier "a pair of", which indicates two items.

What's the difference between "a pair of pillars" and "a couple of pillars"?

The phrases "a pair of pillars" and "a couple of pillars" are largely interchangeable, both referring to two pillars. "Pair" often implies the pillars are matching or intended to function together, while "couple" is a more general term for two.