a set of pliers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a set of pliers" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a collection or grouping of pliers, typically in a context related to tools or hardware. Example: "I need to buy a set of pliers for my home repair projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

They were shown a set of pliers which prosecutors claim were used to loosen the nut.

BBC

Immune to feeling, the guards of Towers Jail strip you down and go to work on your ego with a set of pliers and a blowtorch.

Vice

This time I was wide awake and watching as the surgeon pushed my head away from him with one hand while pulling my wisdom tooth towards him with a set of pliers.

Vice

This time I was wide awake and watched as the surgeon pushed my head away from him with one hand while pulling my wisdom tooth towards him with a set of pliers.

Vice

Aphex Twin tells us he was deeply inspired by Shanty's live PA set in Berlin last year, where he performed using "a set of pliers, an empty egg carton and a stainless steel set of marbles.

Vice

They used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to scan the brains of subjects performing a task in which they had to alternate between using their hands or a set of pliers to reach towards or grasp an object.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

A suspect who wants to avoid the unkindness of having his teeth extracted with a set of dirty pliers may say whatever he thinks his torturers want to hear.

The New York Times

Then, use a set of locking pliers to twist it in until it feels very secure.[1].

WikiHow

Once all the strings are off, get a microfiber towel (preferably) or a non-lint rag, regular, plain ol' tap water, fine steel wool, sandpaper, a set of screwdrivers, pliers, and tape (only use painter's tape or automotive tape).

WikiHow

Get a complete set of pliers.

WikiHow

defer.add img); Buy a good set of pliers.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the tools needed for a task, be specific about the type of pliers required (e.g. needle-nose pliers, lineman's pliers) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using the singular form 'pliers' when you intend to refer to multiple tools or a collection. It's more accurate to say "a set of pliers" or "a pair of pliers" when describing more than one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a set of pliers" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it referring to a tool or tools needed for various tasks, as in "Find "a set of pliers"." This illustrates its role in identifying and specifying necessary equipment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

42%

News & Media

33%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a set of pliers" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a collection of pliers, suitable for various contexts from DIY projects to technical applications. Ludwig highlights its prevalence in Wiki and news sources, demonstrating its broad applicability. The phrase functions to specify a tool needed for a particular task. When writing, it's beneficial to be specific about the type of pliers required to enhance clarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is accurate and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pliers set

Swaps the order of the words. It means the same thing.

pair of pliers

Replaces "set" with "pair", emphasizing two matching tools used together.

collection of pliers

Uses "collection" to highlight that there are multiple pliers, similar to "set".

assortment of pliers

Emphasizes the variety within the group of pliers.

pliers

This is the shortest and most direct alternative, simply referring to pliers in general.

kit of pliers

Suggests a packaged collection of pliers, often for a specific purpose.

metalworking pliers

More specific, indicating pliers designed for working with metal.

electrician's pliers

Highlights a specific type of pliers used in electrical work.

tool for gripping

Generalizes the phrase to describe the function of pliers.

gripping tool

Focuses on the primary function of pliers, omitting the specific tool name.

FAQs

How do I use "a set of pliers" in a sentence?

You can use "a set of pliers" to indicate the tools needed for a specific task, as in "I need "a set of pliers" to fix this leaky pipe".

Is it correct to say "a pliers" instead of "a set of pliers"?

No, "a pliers" is grammatically incorrect. Pliers are typically referred to in pairs or sets. Therefore, you should use "a pair of pliers" or ""a set of pliers"".

What's the difference between "a pair of pliers" and "a set of pliers"?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, "a pair of pliers" typically refers to one specific type of pliers, whereas ""a set of pliers"" implies a collection of different types of pliers.

What are some common types of pliers that might be included in "a set of pliers"?

A typical ""a set of pliers"" might include lineman's pliers, needle-nose pliers, diagonal-cutting pliers, and slip-joint pliers, each designed for different tasks.