a pair of sides

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of sides" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two sides of an object, concept, or argument, often in a comparative or contrasting context. Example: "In this debate, we need to consider a pair of sides: the benefits of the proposal and the potential drawbacks."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Cut out a pair of sides the size of the border piece.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 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

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

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

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

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 using "a pair of sides", ensure the context clearly defines what the 'sides' refer to. For instance, specify if you're talking about sides of a geometric shape, an argument, or a physical object. Clarity is key due to the phrase's relative uncommonness.

Common error

Avoid using "a pair of sides" when a simpler term like "two sides" or "both sides" would suffice. Overusing uncommon phrases can make your writing sound stilted or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of sides" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies two distinct aspects or surfaces of something. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

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, the analysis indicates that the phrase "a pair of sides" is grammatically correct, functioning as a noun phrase used to delineate two aspects within a context. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While its usage is relatively rare and may be perceived as less common than alternatives like "two sides" or "both sides", it is versatile enough for a variety of contexts that include science, news and media, and wiki. Given the potential for simpler alternatives, it's important to use it judiciously, especially considering that sources found were mostly from News & Media and Wiki, and that its score is 4.2. Choose the most appropriate phrasing considering clarity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Two sides

Replaces "a pair" with the explicit number "two", offering a more direct and common alternative.

Both sides

Emphasizes the inclusion of each side, useful when referring to a complete set.

A couple of sides

Substitutes "pair" with "couple", providing a more informal equivalent.

The opposing sides

Highlights the contrasting or conflicting nature of the two sides.

The lateral aspects

Introduces a more technical or anatomical perspective when referring to sides.

Flanking faces

Suggests sides that border or protect something, offering a visual distinction.

The side surfaces

Offers a more descriptive alternative, explicitly mentioning surfaces.

Dual flanks

Uses "flanks" for a military or protective connotation, emphasizing protection.

Peripheral borders

Shifts focus to borders that are on the side, emphasizing the location.

Outlying edges

Highlights the edges or extremities that form the sides.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pair of sides" to describe two aspects of something, like "The debate focused on a pair of sides: the economic benefits and the environmental impact."

What's a simpler way to say "a pair of sides"?

Alternatives include "two sides" or "both sides", which are often more direct and easier to understand.

Is it always appropriate to use "a pair of sides"?

While grammatically correct, "a pair of sides" is less common. In many cases, "two sides" is a preferable and more widely understood alternative.

What is the difference between "a pair of sides" and "both sides"?

"A pair of sides" simply indicates two sides, while "both sides" emphasizes that you are considering each of the two sides individually.