every pair of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'every pair of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to two items of the same type, such as shoes or socks. For example, "In this box there are five pairs of socks - every pair of them is a different color."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Every pair of hands was vital.

The New York Times - Books

They take out every shirt and every pair of pants".

The New York Times

He makes you try on every pair of underwear, every pair of socks, every bathing suit, and if he doesn't think it's right, he'll say, 'Nope, next size'".

The New York Times

Every pair of eyes has got a lot of love behind them.

The New York Times

Each vendor receives around 10-15% commission for every pair of shoes sold.

The Guardian

Rene knows every pair of shoes in L.A. I like these".

The New York Times - Style

But for every pair of artfully cobbled Florentine shoes there are a dozen plastic Crocs.

The New York Times - Travel

LensCrafters also agreed to pay a $4 royalty for every pair of glasses sold.

The New York Times

Blahnik would make every pair of shoes himself if he could.

The New Yorker

Every pair of jeans is $240, except for kids' selections ($200).

The New York Times

The metal support shanks must be removed, in advance of sale, from every pair of boots.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "every pair of" when you want to emphasize that each set of two items is being considered individually, not as part of a larger group. For example: "Every pair of students will work on a separate project".

Common error

Avoid using a singular verb with "every pair of". Even though "pair" is singular, the phrase refers to multiple sets of two, so use a plural verb. Incorrect: Every pair of socks is missing. Correct: Every pair of socks are missing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "every pair of" functions as a determiner phrase specifying that each set of two items is being considered. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It often precedes a noun to describe the objects being paired.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "every pair of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that emphasizes the individual consideration of sets of two. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is versatile and appropriate for various contexts, ranging from scientific research to news reporting. While generally neutral in tone, its use may lean slightly more formal in academic settings. To ensure correct usage, pay attention to verb agreement (using a plural verb) and avoid assuming inherent similarities within the pairs. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "every pair of" to convey precise meaning in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

each set of

Changes the focus from individual pairs to general sets, which might include more than two items.

all couples of

Emphasizes the 'couple' aspect of the pair, implying a relationship or connection between the two.

each two of

Breaks down the 'pair' concept into its numerical component, useful when quantity is the key factor.

every brace of

Replaces 'pair' with 'brace', which is a more formal or archaic way to denote two items.

each duplet of

Substitutes 'pair' with 'duplet', highlighting that the entities form a distinguishable two-element set.

all twins of

Suggests an inherent similarity or mirrored likeness between items, a characteristic that is not explicitly asserted by the original phrase.

each dyad of

Replaces 'pair' with 'dyad', often utilized in sociological or psychological contexts to signify a pair or grouping of two entities.

every twosome of

Replaces 'pair' with 'twosome', stressing the concept of a group of two.

each couplet of

Emphasizes the concept of 'pair' specifically in arts and literature, often applied to pairs of verses in poetry.

all matches of

Alters the focus to 'matches,' implying comparison or agreement, rather than a simple pairing.

FAQs

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

You can use "every pair of" to refer to multiple sets of two items considered individually. For example, "Every pair of shoes in the store was on sale."

What phrases are similar to "every pair of"?

Similar phrases include "each set of", "all couples of", or "each two of" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "every pair of is"?

No, the correct grammatical form is "every pair of are" because "every pair of" implies multiple instances of pairs, requiring a plural verb.

What's the difference between "every pair of" and "all pairs of"?

"Every pair of" emphasizes individual consideration of each pair, while "all pairs of" focuses on the group of pairs as a whole. For example, "Every pair of dancers performed flawlessly" highlights each couple's performance, whereas "All pairs of dancers received awards" emphasizes the collective recognition.