a pair of wires

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of wires" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two wires that are typically used together for a specific purpose, such as in electrical or electronic applications. Example: "To complete the circuit, you will need to connect a pair of wires to the battery terminals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Solder a pair of wires (from ribbon cable) to the motor and tape them to the beam.

Cornell University

(Or for stereo people, a pair of wires). The Program bus accepts a signal from a device and leads the signal to a destination.

Columbia University

A multiplexer ("mux" to engineers) electronically slices the bandwidth made available by a pair of wires into separate channels.

Forbes

e Experimental demonstration of the far-field superlens, where an object is a pair of wires with line width of 50 nm and spacing of 70 nm.

Nano Convergence

Anyone can lease a pair of wires from a regional Bell for $22 per month and use them to offer 155 megabits per second for $45,000 per month.

Forbes

An extension cord contains a pair of wires, each covered with heat-resistant plastic insulation and wrapped in a plastic or rubber sheath.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

2) Also included in the box: A pair of wired earbuds with a Lightning connector.

The New York Times - Tech

– you'll find yourself somewhere wanting to use a pair of wired headphones.

The Guardian - Tech

Perched on his nose were a pair of wire-framed spectacles.

The Guardian

He took a pair of wire cutters and removed the tracking bracelet from his ankle.

The New Yorker

THE man clips the wire at the ring with a pair of wire cutters and the wire zips away.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing electrical circuits or connections, use "a pair of wires" to clearly indicate two wires working together for a specific purpose. This improves clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Don't use "wires" without specifying the quantity if the context requires precision. Saying "a pair of wires" clarifies that you are referring to exactly two wires, which is essential in technical contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of wires" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies two wires considered as a single unit, typically for electrical or electronic purposes. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides real-world examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pair of wires" is a grammatically correct noun phrase, most commonly found in technical contexts to describe two wires that function as a unit. Ludwig's analysis of various sources indicates its use in news, media, scientific articles, and wiki entries. While it is not very frequent, its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its validity and appropriate use. When writing, use "a pair of wires" to specify exactly two wires working together, avoiding ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "two conductors" or "electrical leads" for stylistic variation. Overall, understanding the nuances of "a pair of wires" ensures clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two conductors

Emphasizes the conductive property of the wires.

paired conductors

Stresses the pairing aspect and conductive property.

electrical leads

Highlights the function of leading electricity.

twin leads

Highlights that there are two leads.

circuit connection

Focuses on the role of the wires within a circuit.

cable pair

Inverts the word order while retaining the core meaning.

wire assembly

Refers to the wires as part of a larger unit.

double wiring

Focuses on the act of wiring with two wires.

dual cables

Specifies the construction as two separate cables.

a set of wires

Generalizes to a set instead of a specific pair.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The technician connected "a pair of wires" to the power supply to complete the circuit."

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "two conductors", "electrical leads", or "circuit connection".

Is it more accurate to say "a pair of wires" or "two wires"?

"A pair of wires" implies that the wires are intended to be used together, while "two wires" is a more general statement about quantity.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the term "a pair of wires"?

This term is suitable in technical fields like electronics and electrical engineering, where precision is needed when discussing circuit connections and wiring.