came as a pair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "came as a pair" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means that two things or people were together or came together as a unit. Example: "The two kittens at the shelter came as a pair and the staff wanted them to be adopted together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

They came as a pair.

Independent

They came as a pair; a great on-screen partnership.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Keith Olsen had played him Buckingham Nicks, and told him Lindsey and I came as a pair.

The Guardian - Music

Evidence was heard in Ward's case that Cellino wanted her sacked because she was the partner of the manager Neil Redfearn, whom Cellino was sacking, and so, as one witness put it, they came as "a pair".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

As Jack remarked over the years: "Me and her, we come as a pair.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It was Jeeves I wanted, actually," Aunt Dahlia said, "but sadly you come as a pair.

The Guardian - Books

The fact that they come as a pair, makes it even harder.

Independent

Often they come as a pair, the male holding a ball that represents the world under his paw, the female protecting a lion cub.

The Guardian

She's always fighting with her brother!" The final recommendations for the weekend come as a pair: two pieces that explore vulnerability in the age of online sharing.

The New Yorker

As Ireland's half-backs, Jonathan Sexton and Conor Murray, come as a pair, so Webb and his partner at Ospreys, Dan Biggar, are very much a duo; two vocal, forthright players who drive their team tactically.

The Guardian - Sport

Just like with Crispr, the custom-designed ZFNs, which come as a pair where a protein structure containing zinc molecules does the guiding, cut the DNA in a precise location – the CCR5 gene – before the cell's natural but inaccurate repair process kicks in, knocking out the gene.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "came as a pair" to emphasize the inherent connection or expected togetherness of two entities, whether they are people, objects, or ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "came as a pair" when the togetherness of the entities is coincidental or forced, rather than a natural or intended state. Using the phrase suggests an expectation of unity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "came as a pair" functions as a descriptive phrase, often serving as an adjective to modify a noun or pronoun. It indicates that two entities are presented, perceived, or function as a single unit. As Ludwig AI suggests, it implies a relationship or connection between the two.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Books

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Sport

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "came as a pair" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that two entities are presented or considered together as a unit. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. Analysis of its usage shows it appears frequently in news and media, emphasizing inherent connections. When writing, remember to use it when the togetherness is natural or intended, and avoid it for coincidental pairings. Similar phrases, like "arrived together", provide alternative ways to convey the same concept with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arrived together

Focuses on the act of arriving at the same time or place.

appeared as a duo

Emphasizes the visual aspect of being seen together.

functioned as a unit

Highlights the coordinated action or purpose of the two entities.

operated jointly

Implies a collaborative or cooperative manner of working.

were inseparable

Stresses the impossibility of being apart or considered separately.

were a twosome

Indicates a close relationship, like a couple or partnership.

formed a partnership

Highlights the structured agreement or collaboration.

were a matching set

Suggests similarity and coordination.

belonged together

Implies a natural or destined connection.

were in combination

Emphasizes being merged or linked

FAQs

What does "came as a pair" mean?

The phrase "came as a pair" means that two things or people arrived, appeared, or were presented together, often implying that they are related or connected in some way.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "came as a pair"?

It's appropriate when referring to two things that are naturally connected, intended to be used together, or traditionally associated with each other. For example, salt and pepper "come as a pair" in most restaurants.

What are some alternative ways to say "came as a pair"?

You can use alternatives like "arrived together", "appeared as a duo", or "were inseparable" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "come as a pair" instead of "came as a pair"?

The correct tense depends on the context. Use "come as a pair" for present or future scenarios (e.g., 'These gloves come as a pair'). Use "came as a pair" for past events (e.g., 'They came as a pair to the party').