a pair of tapes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of tapes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two pieces of tape, often in contexts related to crafting, recording, or packaging. Example: "I bought a pair of tapes to help with my art project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

To celebrate the fortieth anniversary of his career, John Prine is doing something typically eccentric: he's putting out a pair of tapes from his early days that show the roots of his laconic humor and homespun wisdom.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Instead, to play music, Rodriguez and his friends used a pair of tape decks that Cuban sailors had brought back from an overseas tour in Angola.

Vice

Instead, they are monaural recordings made on a pair of Nagra tape recorders for reference purposes by a film crew that was documenting the sessions for a proposed television documentary.

The New York Times - Arts

And there is a pair of photos taped together to record a big Western sky and a four-door sedan on a road leading away from a snow-streaked Rocky Mountain range.

The New York Times - Arts

At New York University Law School, he could seem out of place — for years, he wore a pair of glasses taped in the middle — but he was already pursuing lofty dreams of public service.

The New York Times

When he was finished, Frank cut the stitches with a pair of scissors and taped a thick white bandage over the wound.

The Guardian - Books

And in the third and most evocative piece, a pair of umbrellas duct-taped together at the handles are released in a windstorm.

The New York Times - Arts

At a gaming conference in 2007, one developer famously ranted that the Wii was little more than a pair of GameCubes "duct-taped" together, exhorting Nintendo to make a console that "doesn't suck".

Forbes

It is always a good idea to have a pair of scissors, some tape and a stapler and staples.

WikiHow

Depending on your purposes and your projects, most people will need, at the very least, a screwdriver set with both flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers of a variety of sizes, a good quality hammer, a wrench set, a pair of pliers, a tape measure, flashlight, utility knife, gloves and safety glasses.

WikiHow

While there is expensive underwear that can disappear your package faster than a fly-by-night delivery service, you an also do this easily and cheaply with a pair of panty hose and some tape (medical tape, not duct tape please, for your own sake!) Visit this wikiHow article on How to Tuck and Tape for more information.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to audio or video recordings, use "a pair of tapes" to specifically indicate two distinct recordings, rather than a single item. This avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a pair of tapes" when you mean just one tape. The phrase implies two separate entities, so use it only when that's the case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of tapes" functions as a noun phrase. It consists of an article ("a"), a noun ("pair"), a preposition ("of"), and another noun ("tapes"). As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to two specific items that are tapes, either recording or adhesive.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

28%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pair of tapes" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase, generally considered neutral in tone. As Ludwig AI underlines, it is suitable for describing two individual tapes, whether they are recording media or adhesive strips. It is primarily found in news media, wikis, and scientific contexts. When writing, make sure you use the phrase if you want to refer to two specific tapes. Alternative phrasings such as "two rolls of tape" or "a couple of tapes" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a couple of tapes

Uses a more informal quantifier, suitable for general conversational contexts.

two rolls of tape

Specifies the form of the tape, emphasizing the rolled nature and adhesive function.

two strips of tape

Highlights the linear, separate nature of the tapes, suitable for crafting or sealing purposes.

dual tapes

More concise phrasing emphasizing the dual nature of the tapes

two pieces of tape

Focuses on individual segments of tape, often cut or ready for application.

a duo of tapes

Emphasizes the twosome nature, used for stylistic variation.

two spools of tape

Emphasizes the wound form of the tape, typical for magnetic recording or dispensing.

a twin pack of tapes

Emphasizes that the tapes come packaged together

a set of tapes

Suggests that the tapes are part of a collection or designed to be used together.

a brace of tapes

Uses a less common, slightly archaic term for "pair", adding a touch of formality or historical context.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The archivist discovered "a pair of tapes" containing unreleased recordings from the band's early years".

What are some alternatives to "a pair of tapes"?

Depending on the context, you could use "two rolls of tape", "a couple of tapes", or "two strips of tape".

Is "a pair of tapes" formal or informal?

The phrase "a pair of tapes" is generally neutral and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. The setting determines its suitability.

When should I use "a pair of tapes" versus "some tape"?

Use "a pair of tapes" when you are specifically referring to two distinct tape items. Use "some tape" when quantity doesn't matter or is indefinite.