in groups of two

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in groups of two" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something will be done or should be done in groups of two. For example, "We will be completing this project in groups of two."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Some stand in groups of two or three, flagging down passing cars or checking their phones.

The Guardian

In Germany there are Schöffen (lay jurists), who sit in groups of two at criminal cases.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those that cluster tended to gather in groups of two, three or four.

Independent

Some tumor nodules were adjoining in groups of two or three lesions.

EJNMMI Research

16 ninth grade students participated in the study, all worked in groups of two.

Computers in Human Behavior

During their session at the river, students work in groups of two to three to collect environmental data.

International Journal of STEM Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

He did not mention the pickpockets, who work in groups of two and four in the Metros.

The New York Times - Travel

The protesters arrived in groups of two and three.

The New York Times

In groups of two and three, the survivors struggled to the stairs.

The New York Times

Everywhere, people were gathering in groups of two and three and four.

The New Yorker

She looked around the interior courtyard, where police officers were stationed in groups of two and three.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing collaborations or teamwork, use "in groups of two" to clearly specify the group size and promote a sense of partnership or focused interaction.

Common error

While "in groups of two" is perfectly acceptable, varying your sentence structure can enhance readability. Consider alternatives like "in pairs" or restructuring the sentence to avoid repetitive use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in groups of two" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by specifying how something is done or arranged. It indicates a particular grouping or arrangement, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples where students work or animals are housed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

35%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in groups of two" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used to specify how something is done or arranged in pairs. This phrase appears most frequently in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for objective description. When using "in groups of two", consider whether alternatives like "in pairs" or "two by two" might enhance clarity or stylistic variety, but avoid overuse to maintain writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in pairs

This is a more concise synonym, focusing on the arrangement of items into sets of two.

in sets of two

Similar to "in pairs", but emphasizes the creation of distinct sets.

two by two

This phrase evokes a sense of orderly arrangement, like animals boarding Noah's Ark.

in groupings of two

Highlights the act of forming groups, specifically of two.

in dyads

A more technical term, often used in social sciences to refer to a pair of individuals.

in duos

Directly refers to a pair, often in the context of music or performance.

in couples

Implies a relationship or connection between the two entities.

in batches of two

Suggests a larger quantity being divided into smaller groups of two.

in divisions of two

Formal and emphasizes the act of dividing something into pairs.

in binary arrangements

Technical and emphasizes a structure based on two elements.

FAQs

How can I use "in groups of two" in a sentence?

You can use "in groups of two" to describe how people are working together, or how items are arranged. For example, "The students worked "in groups of two" to complete the lab experiment."

What are some alternatives to saying "in groups of two"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "in pairs", "two by two", or "in duos".

Is it more formal to say "in pairs" or "in groups of two"?

"In pairs" is generally considered slightly more concise and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while "in groups of two" is equally acceptable and emphasizes the group aspect.

Can "in groups of two" be used for objects as well as people?

Yes, "in groups of two" can be used to describe the arrangement of objects. For example, "The chairs were arranged "in groups of two" around each table."