a pair of side

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of side" is not correct in written English.
It seems to be an incomplete expression and lacks clarity. Example: "I need a pair of side tables for the living room."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

There are mid-century classics, like a Saarinen Tulip table and Harry Bertoia chairs, but he's particularly proud of a pair of side tables shaped like mirrored pink sheep that came from a Christmas shop-window display on Bond Street.

The Guardian - Arts

Mr. Molyneux seemed unperturbed when told that Mr. Buggins had identified as fake a pair of side tables that he had purchased believing they were antiques, for a Russian businessman's London apartment.

The New York Times

In the second step, the cross-profile pattern of a ridge or a valley floor, which is defined and bounded by a pair of side slopes, is examined in order to distinguish upland flats from ridges and lowlands from valley floors.

Geomorphology

A warden's report summed up the findings: The result of the shakedown of these toilets was the blow torch as I have mentioned, a bar spreader, a pair of side cutters, a brace and some bits . . . a screwdriver and one or two pieces of wire and a piece of carborundum stone.

The New Yorker

While you are waiting, use a pair of side cutters (or scissors) and cut the stem of the patch to be flush with the top of your tread.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

On a pair of side-by-side screens, the Yankees, O'Hara's team, were winning (they would lose) and the Orioles, Wagner's, were losing (they would win).

The New Yorker

The results obtained are displayed in Figure 14, composed of a pair of side-by-side plots for each of the four SPOT nodes (MN1, SN2, MN3 and SN4).

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

A pair of side-by-side parking spaces are included with the unit.

Los Angeles Times

Each comes with a gated driveway, a pair of side-by-side parking spots and a decorative fireplace.

Los Angeles Times

A pair of side-by-by estates owned by actor-producer-director Tom Hanks and his wife, actress-producer Rita Wilson, are for sale in Pacific Palisades.

Los Angeles Times

The Pisces V submarine weighs 13 tons and is powered only by a pair of side-mounted thrusters that don't make it the most agile vehicle in the world.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing multiple sides, ensure grammatical correctness by using "sides" instead of "side" to match the plural "pair."

Common error

Avoid using "side" in the singular when referring to a pair. Always use the plural form "sides" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of side" functions as a noun phrase but is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "a pair of sides". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is incomplete and lacks clarity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a pair of side" appears in various sources, it's considered grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "a pair of sides". As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is incomplete and needs grammatical correction. The phrase attempts to describe two lateral aspects or surfaces but fails due to improper grammar. It appears across neutral registers such as News & Media, Science and Wiki sources, but you should always use the grammatically correct form to ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pair of sides

Pluralizes "side" to match "pair", correcting the grammatical error.

a couple of sides

Replaces "pair" with "couple", offering a synonym with the same grammatical structure.

two sides

Simplifies the phrase to a basic numerical description of "sides".

a side pair

Changes the order of words for a different emphasis, yet clearer meaning.

two facing sides

Adds the concept of the sides facing each other to create a clearer image.

a pair on the side

Indicates a pair of objects or things placed on the side.

sides in pairs

Highlights how sides exist in pairs.

a set of sides

Emphasizes that the sides belong to the same set.

paired sides

Adjectival form to indicate that the sides are paired.

a couple of edges

Offers a different noun similar to side.

FAQs

What is the correct way to refer to two sides as a pair?

The correct way is to say "a pair of sides", ensuring the noun "sides" is plural to match "pair".

Can I use "a pair of side" in any context?

It is generally grammatically incorrect. Use "a pair of sides" instead.

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

Consider using alternatives like "a pair of sides", "two sides", or "a couple of sides" for better clarity.

Which is correct, "a pair of side" or "a pair of sides"?

"A pair of sides" is the correct grammatical form.