a pair of water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of water" is not correct and usable in written English.
It is incorrect because "water" is an uncountable noun and cannot be paired in this way. Example: "I need a pair of glasses to see better, but I also need a glass of water."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

It is pink, decorated with a cartoon princess, and scarcely thicker than a pair of water wings.

The Guardian

And with heroic music playing, he marched determinedly toward a pair of water fountains labeled, segregation style, "Staff" and "Dave".

The New York Times - Magazine

Clanny's lamp made use of bellows and a pair of water cisterns to maintain an isolated flame.

The Guardian

A pair of water cannons sprayed it, to tamp it down, in anticipation of the impending collapse of a segment of upper deck.

The New Yorker

On the same front porch where I had removed so many black widows, I kept a pair of water shoes and some fishing tackle.

The New York Times - Science

Soon after we meet Tony Vallelonga in "Green Book," the Italian American man tosses out a pair of water glasses because black repairmen drank out of them.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

A thin stream of glass exiting from the forehearth is fed between a pair of water-cooled rollers, which form a series of patties in the stream.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Harmo Thorneycroft's Teucer, an over-life-sized archer wearing naught but a fig leaf, has a nice, clenched arse as he aims an invisible arrow at John Gibson's swooning marble Hylas, who is being abducted by a pair of water-nymphs across the way.

The Guardian - Arts

The park also features a pair of water-centric roller coasters by Mack Rides similar to Atlantica and Poseidon at Europa-Park in Germany.

Los Angeles Times

The park also is expected to feature a pair of water-centric roller coasters by Mack Rides similar to Atlantica and Poseidon at Europa-Park in Germany.

Los Angeles Times

By Steve Nettleton LANG SON, Viet Nam, 3 November 2006 –  Balancing a pair of watering pails with a stick across her shoulders, Ma Thi Nut navigates through a cabbage field, tilting to wet crops on both sides of a narrow path.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to water, use appropriate units of measure or containers, such as "a glass of water" or "a bottle of water". Avoid using "a pair of water" as it is grammatically incorrect.

Common error

Avoid treating uncountable nouns like "water" as countable. Instead of saying "a pair of water", specify the quantity using a container or unit of measurement. For example, use "two bottles of water" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of water" is grammatically incorrect and doesn't serve a standard grammatical function in English. Ludwig AI shows no correct examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pair of water" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided. As Ludwig AI confirms, there are no correct usages of this phrase in reliable sources. The issue stems from "water" being an uncountable noun, which cannot be directly paired. To correctly quantify water, use appropriate containers or units of measure like "a glass of water" or "a bottle of water". Remember to use precise and grammatically sound language for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a glass of water

Specifies a common container for water.

a bottle of water

Indicates a specific container, commonly used for purchasing or carrying water.

two glasses of water

Correctly quantifies water using the container as a unit.

two bottles of water

Quantifies water using bottles as a unit of measure.

some water

Uses an indefinite quantifier to refer to an unspecified amount of water.

a supply of water

Refers to an amount of water available for use.

a source of water

Refers to where the water comes from, not a quantity.

a body of water

Refers to a large collection of water, like a lake or ocean.

two servings of water

Uses a generic quantity.

an instance of water

Refers to event where water exists or is observed.

FAQs

What is the correct way to ask for water?

Instead of asking for "a pair of water", which is grammatically incorrect, ask for "a glass of water" or "a bottle of water".

How to correctly quantify water in a sentence?

Water, being an uncountable noun, requires a unit or container for quantification. Use phrases like "two glasses of water" or "several liters of water" instead of "a pair of water".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a glass of water", "a bottle of water", or simply "some water".

Is it ever correct to use "pair" with liquids?

The word "pair" is generally used for items that come in twos and are typically discrete objects. While you might say "a pair of wines" in the context of a wine tasting, it wouldn't be correct to say "a pair of water" because water is a continuous, uncountable substance. You might say "a pair of water bottles".