a pair of shears

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of shears" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a cutting tool that consists of two blades that pivot on a single point, commonly used for cutting fabric, hair, or other materials. Example: "She used a pair of shears to trim the edges of the fabric before sewing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

It finally caromed off an angled corner and hit a pair of shears.

The New York Times - Tech

Take the whole clump back to ground level with a pair of shears.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I put down my camera as Luke handed me a pair of shears.

The New Yorker

In 10 minutes with a pair of shears, you could make any airplane do the same thing".

The New York Times

And Dad Brashier, the equipment manager, had to cut it off of him with a pair of shears".

The New York Times - Sports

All of a sudden the customer in the barber's chair got up, and the barber stabbed him with a pair of shears.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Have you got a pairs of shears?" The little girl said no.

The New Yorker

What is remotely natural about a steel instrument the size of a pair of garden shears?

The Guardian

The man survived even though his throat was slashed with a pair of garden shears.

The Guardian

Anonymous, Oxfordshire Someone broke into our home and threw a pair of garden shears at my husband.

The Guardian

A neighbor, Mr. DiMattia, said that last summer he saw the boys cutting the lawn with a pair of garden shears.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a cutting action, pair "a pair of shears" with a verb that accurately reflects the type of cutting, such as "trim", "cut", or "shear".

Common error

While often used interchangeably, "shears" are generally larger than "scissors" and designed for heavier-duty cutting. Use "scissors" for paper or light fabric, and "a pair of shears" for thicker materials or gardening tasks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of shears" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the direct object or subject of a sentence. It identifies a specific tool used for cutting as exemplified by Ludwig's numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

27%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pair of shears" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a specific cutting tool. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in various writing contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, the phrase serves to specify the instrument used for cutting or trimming actions. Related phrases like "pruning shears" and "cutting implement" offer similar meanings, while guidance ensures correct usage, differentiating it from scissors and suggesting effective verb pairings. This comprehensive analysis equips writers to confidently and accurately use the phrase in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set of shears

Emphasizes the shears as a matching set, and avoids the article "a".

pruning shears

Shears intended for pruning plants.

cutting shears

Specifies that the shears are designed for cutting.

hand shears

Highlights that the shears are manually operated.

gardening clippers

Specifies that the shears are used for gardening purposes.

dressmaking shears

Specifies that the shears are designed for dressmaking purposes.

shearing tool

Focuses on the function of the shears as a tool, rather than the object itself.

hedge trimmers

More specific, these are shears designed for trimming hedges.

trimming scissors

Highlights the scissors' use for trimming, adding more detail to the context of use.

cutting implement

A more generic term that encompasses shears, but isn't specific.

FAQs

How do you use "a pair of shears" in a sentence?

You can use "a pair of shears" to describe the action of cutting something. For example, "She used "a pair of shears" to trim the rose bushes".

What is the difference between "a pair of shears" and "a pair of scissors"?

While both are cutting tools, "a pair of shears" are typically larger and stronger than "a pair of scissors", designed for cutting thicker materials like fabric or hedges.

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

Depending on the context, you could use "gardening clippers", "pruning shears", or simply refer to them as a "cutting tool".

Are "shears" singular or plural?

"Shears" is a plural noun, even when referring to a single tool. Therefore, it is correct to say "a pair of shears".