good pairing with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "good pairing with" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when referring to two things that go well together. For example, "This dish has a good pairing with a rich white wine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Hits the ball a long way, and could be a good pairing with Dustin Johnson.

The Guardian - Sport

The drink is also a good pairing with shavings of bitter chocolate after the meal, or with a bright, uncloying chocolate sorbet.

The New York Times - Food

Hillis, because of his size and aggressive style, is a fit in the Chiefs offense and would be a good pairing with Jamaal Charles.

The Guardian - Sport

In addition to enlivening the food, the chutney could complement a plate of fresh and aged goat cheeses, for another good pairing with the wines.

The New York Times - Food

Ben and Kate looks like a good pairing with Raising Hope, sharing some of that show's quirky sweetness and broad humour plus a great supporting turn from Lucy Punch.

The Guardian

The car looks good - a lot better than it did last year - and it's a good pairing with Nico Rosberg, so they could be the ones to watch.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Add the almonds and peel just before serving – good paired with shortbread.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's probably a good pair with Harrison McEldowney's "Group Therapy," which has familiar pop tunes, tap gestures, speaking, and heaven help us, smoking.

The New York Times

James Carroll's "Now the rich get richer quicker" (Views, Jan . 4 would make a good pair with Tina Rosenberg's article "To beat back poverty, try giving money to the poor" (Views, Jan . 6.

The New York Times

Analysts have long said that the two would make a good pair, with Tudor, Pickering, Holt publishing a report June 26 saying a deal at around $12 per share would add $7 to $8 per share to Vistra's earnings.

Forbes

They look good paired with a dress or jeans.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing culinary pairings, specify the characteristics of each item to highlight why they complement each other. For example, "The crisp acidity of the Sauvignon Blanc is a "good pairing with" the creamy goat cheese."

Common error

While acceptable, using "good pairing with" repeatedly can make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "harmonious combination" or "ideal complement" to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good pairing with" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe a beneficial relationship or combination. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a correct and usable expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Lifestyle

33%

Food

17%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "good pairing with" is a grammatically sound and commonly understood way to describe items that complement each other effectively. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's frequently used in News & Media and Lifestyle contexts to suggest compatible combinations, especially in food and entertainment. While versatile, it's best to vary your language with synonyms like "excellent match" or "ideal complement" to avoid repetition. Understanding this phrase allows you to describe effective combinations in a clear and engaging manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excellent match for

Emphasizes a superior level of suitability or compatibility.

ideal complement to

Highlights how one element enhances or completes the other.

well-suited to

Focuses on the appropriateness and fitness of one element to another.

harmonious combination with

Stresses the pleasant and balanced nature of the relationship.

effective in conjunction with

Implies a functional and productive relationship between elements.

works well with

A simpler and more direct way of expressing compatibility.

pairs nicely with

Similar meaning, but with a slightly more elegant tone.

goes hand in hand with

Suggests a very close and natural association.

is a great accompaniment for

Focuses on the supportive and enhancing role of one element.

integrates seamlessly with

Highlights the smooth and effortless blending of two things.

FAQs

How to use "good pairing with" in a sentence?

You can use "good pairing with" to describe items that complement each other well, such as "This wine is a "good pairing with" seafood" or "The software is a "good pairing with" the existing system".

What can I say instead of "good pairing with"?

You can use alternatives like "excellent match for", "ideal complement to", or "harmonious combination with" depending on the context.

Is "good pairing with" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "good pairing with" might be considered informal for highly academic contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "synergistic relationship with" or "effective in conjunction with" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "good pairing with" and "good combination with"?

"Good pairing with" often implies a deliberate or curated selection, while "good combination with" is a more general term for things that simply work well together. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.