a pair of ribs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of ribs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two ribs, either in a literal anatomical context or in a culinary context, such as when discussing food. Example: "The barbecue restaurant served a delicious plate of a pair of ribs, perfectly glazed with sauce."

✓ Grammatically correct

Anatomical descriptions

Medical contexts

Culinary contexts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A pair of ribs is associated with each body vertebra except for a few immediately behind the head.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She has survived two bouts of cancer, in 1999 and 2009, and didn't miss a beat after breaking a pair of ribs in 2012.

The Economist

Near the top of the block they found three thoracic vertebrae, two of which lay in anatomical position, and a pair of ribs lying haphazardly, like crossbones.

Science Magazine

WASHINGTON, July 4 (Reuters) - At age 80, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, leader of the U.S. Supreme Court's liberal wing, says she is in excellent health, even lifting weights despite having cracked a pair of ribs again, and plans to stay several more years on the bench.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Each of the 3 to 10 (usually 5 to 8) chest (thoracic) vertebrae normally bears a pair of complete ribs consisting of a dorsal vertebral rib articulating with the vertebra and with the ventral sternal rib, which in turn articulates with the breastbone (sternum).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The pectoral girdle is supported by muscle, and the well-developed pelvic girdle is attached to the backbone by a pair of sacral ribs.

Wikipedia

The Iggy boot, a platform ankle boot with a 3.35in heel, was its most recent curveball; it has been worn on stage by the 1975's frontman Matt Healy and graced the cover of cult men's biannual magazine Man About Town, worn with nothing but a pair of brown ribbed ankle socks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There are 12 thoracic vertebra with associated ribs, 7 lumbars, and 29 caudals; a pair of supernumerary (additional) ribs is occasionally present.

Wikipedia

Mamadou and Madame made quite a picture, he in a striped waistcoat, she in a pair of thick, black ribbed leggings with stirrups and a white shantung Yves Saint Laurent jacket whose pockets she had clearly moved or added.

The New York Times - Style

A pair of dishes have curving ribbed sides that go back to Song times.

The New York Times - Arts

WHEN Joe Vitacco speaks of "the blower room regulator that had blown its gussets and one pair of ribs," he speaks of love.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In culinary contexts, using "a pair of ribs" might sound unusual; consider using "ribs" or specifying the cut (e.g., "beef ribs").

Common error

Avoid using "a pair of ribs" when referring to the rib cage in general; instead, use phrases like "rib cage" or "ribs" to denote the entire structure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of ribs" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving as the subject or object within a sentence. It identifies a specific quantity (two) of anatomical structures, as illustrated by Ludwig, which confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pair of ribs" is grammatically sound, though relatively infrequent. It's most appropriately used in anatomical, medical, or descriptive contexts where emphasizing the paired nature of the ribs is important. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While alternative phrasings like "two ribs" might be more common in everyday speech, "a pair of ribs" adds a degree of specificity suitable for technical discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Two ribs

This is a more direct and literal alternative, simply specifying the quantity of ribs.

A couple of ribs

This phrase is a more informal way of saying "two ribs".

A set of ribs

Focuses on ribs as a part of a system or structure.

Rib pair

This is a more concise and technical way to refer to the rib pair, often used in anatomical or medical contexts.

Both ribs

This emphasizes that you are referring to two specific ribs.

Dual ribs

Highlights the duality or paired nature of the ribs.

A matching set of ribs

Suggests the ribs are symmetrical or correspond to each other.

Corresponding ribs

Emphasizes the connection or relationship between the two ribs.

A brace of ribs

This is an older, more formal term for a pair, less common in modern usage.

Ribs on both sides

This alternative emphasizes the placement of ribs on each side of the body.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pair of ribs" to describe a specific anatomical feature, such as "The doctor examined the X-ray and noted a fracture in "a pair of ribs"" or in a culinary context, although less commonly, like "The chef prepared "a pair of ribs" with a special marinade".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "two ribs", "a couple of ribs", or, in anatomical descriptions, simply "the ribs".

Is it more common to say "a pair of ribs" or "two ribs"?

"Two ribs" is generally more common in everyday conversation. "A pair of ribs" might be used in more technical or descriptive contexts where emphasizing the paired nature is relevant.

In what contexts would "a pair of ribs" be the most appropriate choice of words?

"A pair of ribs" is most fitting when you need to emphasize that you're discussing two ribs considered as a set, such as in anatomical discussions, surgical reports, or when distinguishing a specific "pair of ribs" from the entire rib cage.