a pair of trainers

USAGE SUMMARY

"a pair of trainers" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to a set of two shoes that are designed for sports or casual wear. Example: I bought a new pair of trainers for my morning runs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

A pair of trainers in the current collection is $950.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Jeans, jumper, flat shoes or a pair of trainers.

The New York Times

"To my horror I saw a pair of trainers.

Independent

It's one thing for tech firms to worry about us affording a pair of trainers.

The Guardian - Tech

It's not a pair of trainers; it's membership of an elite cult.

The Guardian - Tech

A pair of trainers here, a checked shirt there, a watch or wallet.

The Guardian

I visited the M&S Handforth store near Wilmslow, looking for a pair of trainers.

The Guardian - Money

"You don't have to spend money for gear -- except for a pair of trainers.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

A plasma-screen TV and a pair of trainers.

The Guardian - Opinion

We drag him to a sports shop and buy him a pair of trainers.

The Guardian

For a more edgy and grunge look, wear the dress with tights paired with boots (for example, Doc Martens) or a pair of trainers/sneakers.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing athletic activities, use "a pair of trainers" to clearly indicate footwear designed for sports or exercise.

Common error

Avoid using "a trainer" when you mean a pair of shoes. "Trainer" refers to a person who trains, not a shoe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of trainers" functions as a noun phrase. It is used as an object or complement in a sentence, referring to athletic footwear. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common phrase used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Lifestyle

20%

Sports

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Opinion

6%

Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pair of trainers" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase referring to athletic shoes. Ludwig confirms this, with numerous examples found in news, lifestyle, and sports contexts. While alternatives like "running shoes" or "sneakers" exist, the phrase is widely understood and appropriate for general use. When writing, ensure you use the correct plural form and avoid confusing it with "a trainer", which refers to a person. With a source quality score of 88 and expert rating of 4.5, this phrase demonstrates consistent and reliable usage across various authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

running shoes

Focuses specifically on shoes designed for running, implying a more athletic context.

sneakers

A more general term for athletic shoes, applicable in various casual contexts.

sports shoes

Emphasizes the athletic purpose of the shoes, suitable for discussing sports activities.

athletic footwear

A formal and broad term covering all types of shoes designed for sports.

gym shoes

Specifically designed for the gym or athletic activities. More restrictive usage.

tennis shoes

Intended for tennis or similar court sports, more specific usage.

jogging shoes

Shoes designed for jogging, implying a lower intensity running activity.

walking shoes

Shoes intended for walking, indicating a more relaxed pace and purpose.

casual shoes

Shoes designed for casual wear rather than athletic activities.

footwear

A broad term that encompasses any type of covering for the feet, lacking the specificity of athletic use.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pair of trainers" to describe footwear intended for athletic activities. For example, "I need to buy a new pair of trainers for the marathon."

What's another way to say "a pair of trainers"?

Alternatives include "running shoes", "sneakers", or "sports shoes" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a trainer" instead of "a pair of trainers"?

No, "a trainer" refers to a person who trains, not a shoe. The correct phrase for athletic shoes is "a pair of trainers".

When should I use "a pair of trainers" vs "shoes"?

"A pair of trainers" specifies athletic footwear, while "shoes" is a general term. Use "a pair of trainers" when the context involves sports, exercise, or casual wear associated with athletic activities.