one pair of socks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one pair of socks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a single set of socks, typically in contexts related to clothing, shopping, or laundry. Example: "I need to buy one pair of socks to complete my outfit for the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

He embarked on his journey wearing only a paper suit made from the vouchers, a pair of shoes, one pair of socks and one set of underwear.

The Guardian - Money

Faithy was new to our home, louder than the rest of us had learned to be, and she had more than one pair of socks, a sign she'd been living in smaller homes where kids get things like socks.

The Guardian

For that you get the fitness tracker and one pair of socks.

TechCrunch

Spending a week in Vegas without lip balm is akin to the Amazon with only one pair of socks.

TechCrunch

This number reflects one pair of socks per each senior in the nursing home, homeless shelter, and Meals on Wheels program that have requested help.

Huffington Post

The same study also compared one pair of socks to faecal samples and concluded that this sample type was inferior to the 12 × 5 faecal samples for the purpose of detecting Salmonella in broiler flocks.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

I snagged one pair of Two-Timin' socks.

The New York Times

Or: 2,595,477 men's flannel check long sleeved shirts (blue) + one pair of white cotton socks to roll up and stuff 'down the front'.

The Guardian - Music

I was, however, prepared to pack my sleeping bag, and the minimal amount of clothes (three pairs of underwear, three pairs of socks, two shirts, one pair of pants...), and opt to sleep in hostels along the way with up to 60-100 other fellow "pilgrims" each night, donning earplugs to muffle the group snoring, and sharing group bathrooms.

Huffington Post

The women receive one pair of cleats for the entire season (August to April), two pairs of practice gear, including socks, shorts and shirts, and a pair of shin guards every other year.

Huffington Post

numbers Religious materials Small lock (combination or padlock) Men: Three sets of white underwear Women: Panties, bras, nylons, one full slip (all neutral colors) One pair athletic socks One-day supply of civilian clothing Toiletries.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When packing for a trip, clearly state "one pair of socks" in your checklist to ensure you have at least the bare minimum.

Common error

Avoid assuming "one pair of socks" implies adequacy for all situations. Consider the activity and duration when deciding if additional pairs are needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one pair of socks" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it identifies a specific, minimal quantity of socks.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

30%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "one pair of socks" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to denote a single set of socks. As Ludwig highlights, its usage spans various contexts, from news articles and Wiki guides to scientific papers. The phrase serves to specify quantity, often emphasizing a minimal or limited amount. It maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. When considering alternative phrasing, options like "a single pair of socks" or "just one pair of socks" can provide added emphasis. Overall, understanding the proper usage of "one pair of socks" ensures clear and effective communication in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a single pair of socks

Replaces "one" with "single", emphasizing the singularity of the pair.

just one pair of socks

Adds "just" for emphasis on the limited quantity.

only one pair of socks

Replaces "one" with "only one", stressing the exclusivity.

a solitary pair of socks

Uses "solitary" to describe the single pair, implying isolation.

a spare pair of socks

Indicates the pair is extra or for backup purposes.

an extra pair of socks

Synonymous with "spare", suggesting additional socks.

a fresh pair of socks

Implies the socks are clean and unused.

a clean pair of socks

Similar to "fresh", highlighting the cleanliness of the socks.

a new pair of socks

Suggests the socks are recently purchased or unworn.

a matching pair of socks

Emphasizes that the socks are identical and belong together.

FAQs

How can I use "one pair of socks" in a sentence?

You can use "one pair of socks" to indicate a minimal amount of socks, for example: "He embarked on his journey wearing only "one pair of socks" and one set of underwear."

What's the difference between "one pair of socks" and "a pair of socks"?

While both refer to the same quantity, "one pair of socks" can emphasize scarcity or a deliberate choice of having only that amount, whereas "a pair of socks" is a more general statement.

What can I say instead of "one pair of socks"?

Depending on the context, you might use "a single pair of socks" or "just one pair of socks" to add emphasis.

Is it correct to say "one pairs of socks"?

No, "one pairs of socks" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "one pair of socks". The word 'pair' is already pluralizing two socks to be worn together.