a pair of scissors

USAGE SUMMARY

'a pair of scissors' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you are talking about a set of two scissors. For example, "I need to find a pair of scissors to cut this paper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He had a pair of scissors".

The New York Times

He held up a pair of scissors.

The New York Times

That's when I saw a pair of scissors.

The Guardian - Sport

He needed a pair of scissors to cut himself free".

The Guardian - Books

The barber held up a pair of scissors.

The New Yorker

Handed a pair of scissors, Elizabeth snipped a red ribbon.

The New York Times

"A tongue is cut off with a pair of scissors.

Independent

Once you have printed them, take a pair of scissors and cut out each card.

Stanford University

· Medium-grade sandpaper, a damp cloth and a pair of scissors.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He took a pair of scissors and cut off the straps of the dress.

Harvard Business Review

With a theatrical flourish, he brandished a pair of scissors and cut through the tape.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific type of scissors, clarify its purpose, such as "fabric scissors" for sewing or "hair scissors" for grooming.

Common error

Avoid saying "a scissor" as scissors are inherently a pair. Always use "a pair of scissors" or simply "scissors".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of scissors" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and usable. For example, "He held up "a pair of scissors"."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pair of scissors" is a grammatically sound and very common noun phrase used to refer to a cutting tool. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It is applicable in various contexts, particularly in news, media, wiki, and science-related content. While "scissors" alone is often sufficient, using "a pair of scissors" emphasizes the unit's completeness. When writing, ensure accurate pluralization and consider specifying the type of scissors for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Some scissors

This alternative is less specific, omitting the quantity.

A cutting tool

This is a broader term that encompasses scissors, but is less precise.

Shears

Shears refer to a larger cutting tool, but shares the basic cutting function.

Clippers

Clippers are another cutting tool, however, they typically refer to hair clippers.

Cutting implement

This alternative is a formal and general term for any tool used for cutting.

Trimming shears

This alternative is specific to gardening or tailoring.

Craft scissors

This alternative refers to scissors used for crafting and hobby activities.

Dressmaking shears

This alternative is specifically used for dressmaking.

Pinking shears

This alternative is a type of scissors that cuts a zigzag edge.

Gardening shears

This alternative is for gardening-related applications.

FAQs

How to use "a pair of scissors" in a sentence?

You can use "a pair of scissors" when referring to the tool used for cutting. For instance, "I need "a pair of scissors" to open this package".

What is another way to say "a pair of scissors"?

Alternatives include "cutting tool" or "some scissors". The best choice depends on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a scissors"?

No, it is incorrect. Scissors are treated as plural, so the correct phrase is ""a pair of scissors"".

Which is more accurate, "scissors" or "a pair of scissors"?

"Scissors" is generally sufficient, but ""a pair of scissors"" is used when you want to emphasize that it is one complete unit. They are often interchangeable.