a pair of those

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of those" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two items of a specific type that have been previously mentioned or are understood in context. Example: "I really like those shoes; I think I’ll buy a pair of those."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'd like a pair of those palazzo pants, please".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"As long as you haven't got a pair of those awful plastic trousers".

The New Yorker

O.K., but don't expect to get a pair of those sneakers.

The New York Times

Just put on a pair of those wraparound glasses like the ones you get in theaters.

The New York Times - Tech

I eventually married the recipient of a pair of those socks, the last I ever knitted.

The New York Times

I think I might have to get a pair of those".

The New York Times

WASHINGTON — Hoping to buy a pair of those Sasha and Malia dolls?

The New York Times

"I'm definitely wearing a pair of those super-short shorts when I go.

The New York Times

But I knew that somewhere in the world was a pair of those blue plaid sneakers in my size.

The New York Times - Tech

With the Plus versions, Palm is trying to put a pair of those problems out to pasture.

The New York Times - Tech

"We had seen them at other places on posts, and he said, 'I think I'd like to have a pair of those on my posts, too,' " Kehne said.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pair of those" when you want to refer back to two specific items that have already been identified or are clear from the context. For example: "I saw some great boots at the store; I might buy a pair of those."

Common error

Avoid using "a pair of those" without first establishing what 'those' refers to. Ensure your audience knows which two items you're talking about to prevent confusion. For example, instead of saying "I want a pair of those", specify the item: "I want "a pair of those shoes"."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of those" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying and quantifying two items of a previously mentioned or understood type. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its common usage in everyday language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pair of those" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English to refer to two specific items previously mentioned or clearly understood within a context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and widely accepted, especially in neutral registers like news and media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include “those two items” or “that set of two”, depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis. With a high expert rating of 4.5, this phrase is a reliable choice for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

those two items

Replaces the idiomatic expression with a more direct reference to two items.

that set of two

Emphasizes that the items belong to a set or collection of two.

the aforementioned pair

More formal, referring to a pair previously mentioned.

those items mentioned

General reference to items previously spoken about.

the two in question

Highlights the specific pair under discussion.

those particular items

Emphasizes the specific items being referred to.

the pair being discussed

Explicitly states that the pair is currently under discussion.

these two objects

Replaces 'those' with 'these' when referring to objects nearby.

that duo

Uses a more concise, informal term for 'pair'.

those coupled things

Highlights the fact that the items exist or are used together.

FAQs

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

Use "a pair of those" to refer back to two specific items previously mentioned or understood in context. For example, "I tried on some gloves yesterday; I think I'll buy "a pair of those gloves" today."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "those two items", "that set of two", or "the aforementioned pair". The best choice depends on the level of formality and the need for specificity.

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

Yes, "a pair of those" is grammatically correct when used to refer to two specific items that have already been mentioned or are understood. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and provides several examples of its use.

When is it appropriate to use "a pair of those" instead of "two of those"?

Use "a pair of those" when you specifically want to emphasize that the two items belong together or are typically used as a set. "Two of those" is more general and doesn't necessarily imply a set. For example, you'd say "a pair of those earrings" because earrings are typically worn together, but "two of those apples" if you're simply referring to two apples from a group.