a pair of tens

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a pair of tens' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe two items that are equal in size, value, or amount. For example, "The board game came with a pair of tens, so each player was given ten tokens."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

A pair of 17th-century Tuscan brats manufacture Etruscan artifacts.

The New York Times

Behind a pair of four-point runs, MIT overcame the deficit to take a 13-11 edge.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A pair of 50th anniversaries prompted spanking Blu-ray reissues of horror classics in 2010.

The Guardian - Film

A pair of 19th-century wood bookcases, center, is $3,600.

The New York Times

The broadcast showed Cynn had two pair including a pair of threes on the board.

The Guardian - Sport

They went deep, slamming a pair of two-run home runs in one inning.

The New York Times - Sports

In the meantime, we have a pair of Four-Pinocchio claims that are worth highlighting.

The Washington Post

That night he pulled a pair of twos from his wallet, giving one to her.

The New York Times

And Maryland had jumped ahead early with a pair of threes from Smith and Morsell.

The Washington Post

Her prices range from $5,000 for a pair of 18th-century ink sticks to $330,000 for the canopy bed.

The New York Times - Arts

The 36 works are arranged chronologically, beginning with a pair of 14th-century Italian altarpieces painted in the Byzantine style.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a pair of tens", ensure the context clearly indicates what the "tens" refer to. For example, "a pair of ten-dollar bills" or "a pair of scores in the tens".

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly specifying what the "tens" represent. Saying just "a pair of tens" can be confusing if the reader doesn't know what you're counting or measuring.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of tens" functions as a noun phrase, designating a quantity composed of two instances of the number ten. It serves to identify a specific numerical amount formed by combining two sets of ten units each. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in English, although examples are scarce.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pair of tens" is grammatically sound but exhibits limited usage, resulting in a "Missing" frequency score. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, but practical examples are scarce. The phrase functions as a noun phrase denoting two instances of the number ten and is suitable for contexts requiring precise quantification, maintaining a neutral formality level. To maximize clarity, always specify the referent when using this phrase. Alternatives such as "two sets of ten" or "a couple of tens" may offer greater contextual clarity depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paired tens

Shortened form maintaining the emphasis on a pairing.

a couple of tens

Uses "couple" as a synonym for "pair", maintaining the focus on two items of the same value.

an equivalent pair of tens

Focuses on the equality in value of the two tens, emphasizing their sameness.

two sets of ten

Emphasizes having two distinct groups, each containing ten items, rather than a single pair.

two instances of ten

Highlights that there are two separate occurrences of the quantity ten.

double the amount of ten

Focuses on the doubling aspect, emphasizing the resulting quantity rather than the pairing.

a matching set of tens

Implies that the two tens are designed or intended to be together, adding a sense of coordination.

a tandem of tens

Implies that the tens are working together or are linked in some way.

a duplicate set of ten

Highlights the redundancy or repetition of having two identical groups of ten.

two decades

Uses "decades" in a more general or figurative sense, rather than specifically referring to the number 10.

FAQs

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

To use "a pair of tens" effectively, provide context. For example, "The antique shop had "a pair of 19th-century" candlesticks priced at tens of dollars each".

What are some alternatives to saying "a pair of tens"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "two sets of ten", "a couple of tens", or "double the amount of ten".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a pair of tens"?

Yes, "a pair of tens" is grammatically correct. However, ensure the meaning is clear. For instance, "a pair of threes" would require context to understand what the "threes" refer to.

What is the difference between "a pair of tens" and "two tens"?

"A pair of tens" emphasizes the grouping of two quantities of ten, while "two tens" simply states that there are two instances of the number ten. The former implies a connection or set, the latter is a simple numerical statement.