a pair of words

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of words" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two specific words that are often considered together or have a particular relationship. Example: "In this exercise, you need to identify a pair of words that are synonyms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

A pair of words.

University of California, Berkeley

On the reverse side, he scribbles a phone number and a pair of words.

The New Yorker

Each spread has a pair of words at the bottom — contrasting, emotional words.

The New York Times - Books

The volunteers, working on a computer, were asked whether a pair of words rhymed.

The New York Times - Health

Projected onto the wall, a vibrating swarm of tiny lighted dots periodically and briefly coalesces into a pair of words.

The New York Times - Tech

Select a pair of words that best expresses a relationship similar to that expressed in the original pair.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

It would be equally unlikely (a pairing of words that Tom Brokaw would have pulled a muscle trying to pronounce) that anyone who wasn't a devotee of Chris Wallace (whose fan base must consist of those left disenfranchised after the death of Lawrence Welk) wouldn't wonder what Stewart was doing spending his morning defending himself.

Huffington Post

Stimuli were presented in blocks of either high frequency or low frequency word triplets where a sample word appeared above a pair of test words.

NeuroImage

All for a pair of mumbled words at the height of that contest.

The Guardian - Sport

That would be "Bad and Boujee," a calm snarl of a single with a pair of opening words — "raindrops, drop-top" — that seem nonsensical.

The New Yorker

But "dynamic scoring" is a pair of dirty words among many Democrats, who remember Republican efforts during the George W. Bush administration to use it to estimate the cost of tax cuts.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pair of words" when you want to emphasize that two words are being considered together, often due to a specific relationship or contrast between them.

Common error

Avoid using "a pair of words" when simply referring to two words without any implied connection or relationship. In such cases, "two words" is more straightforward and appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of words" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing linguistic elements or units being analyzed or manipulated.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a pair of words" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to two words considered together. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's frequently used in academic, scientific, and news contexts. While alternatives like "two words" or "a couple of words" exist, "a pair of words" often implies a specific connection or relationship between the words. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability, highlighting its versatility in various writing styles. Be mindful to use it when you intend to highlight a particular connection between the two words, rather than simply referring to two words in isolation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two words

Directly specifies the quantity, lacking the nuance of combination or relationship.

a couple of words

Similar to "two words", but slightly more informal and implies an approximate quantity.

a few words

Indicates a small, unspecified number of words, not necessarily just two.

some words

A general reference to an unspecified number of words, often in a short sequence.

a short phrase

Refers to a brief combination of words, emphasizing the phrase rather than the individual words.

a brief expression

Highlights the expressive nature of the words, suggesting a concise statement.

a concise term

Emphasizes the succinctness and specialized meaning of the word grouping.

a set of terms

Implies a collection of words used within a specific context or field.

a string of words

Suggests a longer sequence, diminishing the focus on a pair.

a combination of words

Focuses on the act of putting words together rather than the quantity of them.

FAQs

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

You can use "a pair of words" to refer to two words that are connected or being considered together, such as "The exercise asks you to find "antonyms", a pair of words with opposite meanings."

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

Alternatives include "two words", "a couple of words", or, depending on the context, "a short phrase".

Is it more formal to say "a pair of words" or "two words"?

"A pair of words" tends to be slightly more descriptive and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. "Two words" is more neutral and direct. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a pair of words" instead of "a combination of words"?

Use "a pair of words" when specifically referring to two individual words. Use "a combination of words" when emphasizing the act of putting words together to form a phrase or expression, regardless of the number of words.