a strong pair of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strong pair of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a set of items or qualities that are robust or effective, often in a figurative sense. Example: "She has a strong pair of arguments that support her position in the debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Emily Pulley (Valencienne) and Paul Groves (Camille) are a strong pair of illicit lovers.

The New York Times - Arts

It proved as much to New York audiences before Thanksgiving, with a strong pair of concerts at Carnegie Hall.

The New Yorker

Before one of them us grabbed, of course, by a strong pair of hands and kissed by someone else.

The Guardian - Music

In the other, "I Hear a Rhapsody," Mr. Martin's filigree elaborations were deftly handled by a strong pair of scat-singing soloists.

The New York Times - Arts

Using poultry shears or a strong pair of scissors, cut right along the backbone and through the ribs on either side of the parson's nose.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A strong pair of routines, including a personal best on the "time of flight" score on her second optional round, proved not to be enough and she narrowly missed the top eight admitted to the final, finishing a heartbreaking ninth.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It was as if all of a sudden I was wearing a stronger pair of glasses.

The New York Times

Since Ramirez has seven years left on an eight-year, $160 million deal, he might want to invest in a stronger pair of headphones than the ones he already uses to block out the clubhouse interference.

The New York Times - Sports

The player was one of the new HD DVD sets made by Toshiba, and the experience of watching what it produced on that screen was like putting on a stronger pair of glasses for the first time: everything was brighter, crisper, more sharply defined — newer somehow, as if it had been freshly created, even though one of the movies we watched was a half century old.

The New Yorker

Sometimes it requires only a stronger pair of spectacles to cure the lover, and he who had the imagination to picture a face, a figure twenty years older would perhaps pass through life very undisturbed - Human, All Too Human.

Huffington Post

When you have a strong pairing in front of your backline, it allows your full-backs to get forward, something we saw from Saints against Villa, when Bertrand set up Clyne to score the equaliser.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a strong pair of" to describe items or qualities that possess both strength and work in conjunction, enhancing each other's impact. For example, "a strong pair of arguments" or "a strong pair of hands".

Common error

Avoid using "a strong pair of" in overly abstract or metaphorical contexts where the image of a physical pair doesn't logically fit. Opt for more precise adjectives that better reflect the specific quality you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strong pair of" functions as a pre-modifying adjective phrase, describing the characteristics of the noun that follows. It indicates that the noun consists of two elements that possess significant power, resilience, or effectiveness. As supported by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a strong pair of" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase employed to describe two items or qualities that are notably powerful, resilient, or effective when combined. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its frequency is uncommon. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific contexts, this phrase emphasizes the enhanced impact derived from the combination. When writing, ensure the context logically supports the pairing and strength implied, avoiding overuse in overly abstract settings. Consider alternatives like "a formidable duo" or "a powerful combination" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a formidable duo

Replaces "pair" with "duo" and "strong" with "formidable", emphasizing power and impressiveness.

a robust couple

Substitutes "pair" with "couple" and "strong" with "robust", focusing on resilience and healthiness.

a powerful combination

Replaces "pair" with "combination", shifting the focus to the result of two elements working together.

a solid partnership

Substitutes "pair" with "partnership" highlighting collaboration and dependability.

an effective twosome

Replaces "pair" with "twosome" and "strong" with "effective" denoting efficiency and success.

a potent pairing

Substitutes "strong" with "potent", indicating power and effectiveness but focuses on the act of pairing rather than just the pair.

a resilient brace

Replaces "pair" with "brace" and "strong" with "resilient", highlighting durability and supportiveness.

a vigorous duet

Replaces "pair" with "duet" suggesting harmony and energy in their combined action and "strong" with "vigorous".

a sturdy dyad

Substitutes "pair" with "dyad" and "strong" with "sturdy", emphasizing structural integrity and strength.

a tenacious set

Replaces "pair" with "set" and "strong" with "tenacious" denoting persistence and determination.

FAQs

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

Use "a strong pair of" to describe two things that are powerful or effective when used together. For example, "The team had "a strong pair of" defenders" or "She presented "a strong pair of" arguments".

What are some alternatives to "a strong pair of"?

Depending on the context, consider alternatives such as "a formidable duo", "a powerful combination", or "an effective twosome".

Is it better to use "strong" or "powerful" with "pair of"?

Both "strong" and "powerful" can work, but "strong" often implies physical strength or resilience, while "powerful" suggests influence or impact. The best choice depends on the specific context and what you want to emphasize.

Can "a strong pair of" be used for abstract concepts?

Yes, "a strong pair of" can be used for abstract concepts such as arguments, ideas, or skills, but ensure the metaphor is clear and logical. Avoid using it in situations where the pairing aspect is unclear or nonsensical.