brace of

USAGE SUMMARY

"brace of" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It typically means two of something, usually referred to as a pair, and is usually used in reference to animals in hunting, such as a "brace of ducks". For example: We spotted a brace of deer in the woods.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Dixon took a brace of 25-pounders.

The New York Times - Sports

Gregory has a brace of white hunting dogs.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A bicoastal brace of mighty exhibitions — "A Minimal Future?

The New Yorker

In each port float a brace of fast, efficient whalers.

The Economist

Now a brace of high-profile Danes arrive within weeks.

The Guardian

A brace of palace press officers were also present.

The Guardian

His brace of neatly taken tries further underlined that point.

The Guardian - Sport

A choreographer gives an analysis of the celebrated brace of tap-dancing brothers.

The New York Times - Books

Here we were offered the first of a brace of off-train excursions.

The Guardian - Travel

A brace of bleak albums in the 70s marks out Pink Floyd as pessimists supreme.

The Guardian - Music

A brace of kippers makes the perfect start to the day.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brace of" to add a touch of formality or historical flavor to your writing, particularly when referring to game animals or items that come in pairs.

Common error

Avoid using "brace of" too frequently in your writing, as it can sound affected or unnatural in modern contexts. Consider using simpler alternatives like "pair of" or "couple of" in most situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brace of" functions as a quantifier, specifying a pair or couple of something. As Ludwig AI explains, it typically signifies two items or creatures, often in the context of hunting or matching sets. It acts as a determiner preceding a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "brace of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression meaning 'a pair of' or 'two of something'. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is most common in News & Media, lending a touch of formality to descriptions, particularly of animals in hunting contexts. While accurate, it's worth noting that simpler alternatives like "pair of" or "couple of" might be more appropriate in modern writing to prevent sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pair of

Replaces "brace" with a more common synonym, maintaining the meaning of 'two of something'.

couple of

Similar to 'pair of', but can sometimes imply a less formal context.

set of two

More explicit and less idiomatic, emphasizing the quantity.

duo of

Implies a partnership or collaboration between two entities.

twosome of

A less common but valid alternative, often used in informal contexts.

doublet of

A more formal and somewhat archaic synonym for 'pair'.

two instances of

A more descriptive and less concise alternative.

matched pair of

Emphasizes that the two items are similar or intended to be used together.

yoke of

Focuses on two joined or coupled items, like oxen.

team of two

Highlights a pair working towards a common goal.

FAQs

How can I use "brace of" in a sentence?

You can use "brace of" to refer to two items or creatures that are considered a pair. For example, "The hunter returned with a brace of ducks." It's often used to add a slightly formal or old-fashioned tone.

What's a more common substitute for "brace of"?

A more common substitute is "pair of". For instance, instead of "a brace of doves", you could say "a pair of doves".

Is it appropriate to use "brace of" in modern writing?

While grammatically correct, "brace of" can sound somewhat archaic. It's best reserved for contexts where you want to evoke a sense of tradition or formality. In most cases, "couple of" or "pair of" are more appropriate.

What kind of things can "brace of" refer to?

"Brace of" can refer to a variety of items or creatures that typically come in pairs, such as ducks, pheasants, pistols, or even abstract concepts. It's usually reserved for things that are hunted or kept as a pair. Note that you can also use "duo of" for referring to a pair.