a pair of tights

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of tights" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a single item of clothing that covers the legs and is typically made of a stretchy material. Example: "She wore a stylish dress with a pair of tights to keep warm during the chilly evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's it, just a blazer and a pair of tights.

Independent

When did anyone call a pair of tights "hose"?

The Guardian - Opinion

It looks "baroque", she comments as she drops a pair of tights in – and she's right.

The Guardian - Arts

Buying a pair of tights is not buying a feathered Gaultier gown.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I found a pair of tights today and they were Lee's.

The Guardian - Music

His buttocks are impossible to ignore, like two big basketballs rammed into a pair of tights.

The Guardian - Music

"At some point, a pair of tights that cost me $10 has now probably cost me $20," she said.

The New York Times

Spend all your money on cabs and go through a whole winter without donning a pair of tights.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's come up with a pair of tights that uses a form of compression that wraps muscles to increase blood and lymphatic flow.

Independent

I wanted to offer clients a pair of tights that was ladder-resistant, control-topped, seamless and a bloody good colour match.

The Guardian - Opinion

After leaving university and entering the world of work, I felt it would be more professional to wear a pair of tights for important meetings and presentations.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an outfit, specify the color or type of "a pair of tights" to add detail and visual interest. For example, "a pair of black opaque tights" or "a pair of patterned tights".

Common error

Avoid using "a pair of tights" when you actually mean leggings or stockings. Tights cover the entire leg and sometimes the torso, while leggings are usually thicker and stop at the ankle, and stockings only cover part of the leg.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of tights" functions primarily as a noun phrase. As a noun phrase, it acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig examples show its use in describing clothing items and fashion choices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

23%

Lifestyle

13%

Less common in

Sport

4%

Arts

4%

Music

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pair of tights" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase, primarily used to refer to a specific item of legwear. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, with a neutral register, frequently appearing in news, media, and lifestyle content. Alternative phrases include "a pair of pantyhose" or "legwear", depending on the specific context. When using the phrase, ensure clarity about the garment type and specify color or pattern for added detail.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pair of pantyhose

Uses a more formal term, pantyhose, which is largely interchangeable with tights.

some tights

Omits "pair of", focusing on the item itself, but it's subtly different as 'some' is less specific.

a set of tights

Replaces "pair" with "set", implying a collection or matching items, but less common.

a pair of leggings

Substitutes tights with leggings. Leggings are usually thicker and not sheer.

some hosiery

Refers to legwear in a more generic, collective way.

hosiery

A general term for stockings, tights, and other coverings for the legs and feet.

legwear

A generic term for clothing worn on the legs.

a stocking

Changes to a singular form, and only covers the foot and part of the leg, unlike full tights.

stockings

Similar to "a stocking" but in plural form.

leg coverings

A broader term encompassing various items worn on the legs.

FAQs

How do I use "a pair of tights" in a sentence?

"A pair of tights" functions as a noun phrase and can be used to describe an item of clothing, for example: "She wore "a pair of tights" under her skirt to stay warm."

What's the difference between "a pair of tights" and "a pair of leggings"?

While both are leg coverings, "a pair of tights" are typically thin and sheer, often worn under dresses or skirts for warmth or style. "A pair of leggings" are usually thicker, opaque, and worn as pants or for athletic activities.

Which is correct, "a pair of tights" or "some tights"?

Both are correct, but "a pair of tights" is more specific and implies a complete item. "Some tights" is less specific and could refer to tights in general.

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a pair of pantyhose", "some hosiery", or "legwear".