a pair of which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to two items or entities previously mentioned, often in a relative clause. Example: "I found two books on the shelf, a pair of which were written by the same author."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Corrymoor socks, a pair of which Steve Whitley wears round the farm for up to a fortnight.

The Guardian - Money

Onstage he wears a bathrobe and crocheted wool slippers, a pair of which he happened to have in his suitcase he knelt and opened his bag to display them.

The New Yorker

Onstage he wears a bathrobe and crocheted wool slippers, a pair of which he happened to have in his suitcase — he knelt and opened his bag to display them.

The New Yorker

Indeed the man on the far right has already revealed his lovely bright red cardinal's socks – a pair of which I used proudly to own, bought for me by a friend in an ecclesiastical outfitters in Rome (yes, anyone can apparently go in and buy the gear, if they have the nerve).

The Guardian - Arts

We envisage that our investigation is of importance for the development of new fluorescent donor acceptor unnatural amino acids a pair of which can be exploited for generating fluorescent peptidomimetic probe of interesting photophysical property for applications in studying peptide protein interaction.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

Ever since the 1960s, geneticists have considered the Y chromosome to be little more than a degenerated version of the X chromosome, a pair of which defines a female.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Create a pair of plots which each contain a curve.

Harvard University

It was a pair of bloodhounds which found Grover Whalen, Jr.

The New Yorker

Within the interior of "Bunker" is a pair of headphones, which emit a loud, screeching noise.

The New York Times

She rummaged through a skip and found a pair of jeans, which she still owns.

The Guardian

Computer modelling was used to design a pair of buildings, which work together to eliminate shadow.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pair of which" to precisely refer back to two items previously mentioned, enhancing clarity and avoiding ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a pair of which" when referring to a group larger than two. Ensure the preceding noun clearly indicates there are exactly two items being referenced to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of which" functions as a relative clause, specifically introducing information about two items previously mentioned. As evidenced by Ludwig, it connects a main clause to additional details about those two items.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pair of which" serves as a relative clause construction, specifically used to refer back to two items that have already been mentioned. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness. Although the phrase is not as common as simpler alternatives like "two of which", it offers a precise way to elaborate on the aforementioned duo. The usage analysis indicates that while found in various contexts, it appears more frequently in news, scientific, and academic writing. When employing this phrase, be sure to maintain consistency with the two referred items. By understanding the context and purpose of "a pair of which", writers can enhance the clarity and precision of their prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two of which

Replaces "a pair" with the numeral "two" offering a more direct specification of quantity.

a couple of which

Substitutes "pair" with "couple", which carries a similar meaning but may be perceived as slightly more informal.

both of which

Emphasizes that the entire set of two is being referred to.

a set of which

Replaces "pair" with "set" which broadens the original meaning.

a brace of which

Uses the archaic term "brace" for a pair, giving the sentence a more old-fashioned or formal tone.

some of which

Generalizes from a specific quantity (two) to an indefinite quantity (some).

a matching set of which

Implies the pair must be similar or identical.

a few of which

Indicates a small, unspecified number greater than one, potentially implying more than just two items were initially present.

a selection of which

Highlights that the 'pair' has been chosen out of a larger group.

a portion of which

Highlights that the 'pair' is just a part of something larger.

FAQs

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

Use "a pair of which" to refer back to two items that you've already mentioned. For example: "I bought two books, "a pair of which" were signed by the author."

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

Alternatives include "two of which", "a couple of which", or "both of which" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to use "a pair of which" when referring to more than two items?

No, "a pair of which" should only be used when referring to exactly two items. If you're referring to more than two, consider using phrases like "some of which" or "several of which".

What is the difference between "a pair of which" and "which"?

"Which" is a general relative pronoun, while "a pair of which" specifically indicates that you are referring back to two items already mentioned. "I saw some birds, two of which were blue" is more precise than "I saw some birds, which were blue" if only two were blue.