pair of chopsticks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pair of chopsticks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a set of two chopsticks that are typically used together for eating. Example: "I prefer using a pair of chopsticks when I eat sushi."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A pair of chopsticks or kitchen tongs will be useful for this.

The Guardian

One chef was saved by the pair of chopsticks he kept in his chest pocket.

The New York Times - Books

Dijkstra's original solution ensured that each diner took turns using a pair of chopsticks.

The New York Times

3. Drizzle egg whites into saucepan, stirring constantly with a whisk or a pair of chopsticks.

The New York Times - Food

A giant pair of chopsticks has again invaded Chambers Fine Art.

The New York Times

Bring to the boil and add the pork, separating with a pair of chopsticks or a fork.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Remove the opened clams with a pair of chopsticks or tongs to a warm serving platter and keep warm.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Design a pair of chopsticks using specially printed paper, then learn how to use them by picking up pretend food.

The New York Times

Not only for eating; I beat eggs, fluff rice and flip grilled meat or vegetables with a pair of chopsticks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some strikers make the art of goalscoring look as difficult as tackling a whole lobster with a pair of chopsticks.

The Guardian - Sport

Terp removed the piece of seared foie gras with a pair of chopsticks, and set in on a cutting board.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the use of chopsticks, specify the type or material if relevant (e.g., wooden chopsticks, bamboo chopsticks).

Common error

Avoid using chopsticks in a manner that is disrespectful in certain cultures, such as sticking them upright in a bowl of rice, which resembles a funeral rite.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pair of chopsticks" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific set of utensils used for eating, commonly in East Asian cuisine. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Lifestyle

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pair of chopsticks" is a grammatically sound and widely recognized noun phrase used to describe the set of utensils for eating, particularly in East Asian cuisines. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is correct and common across various contexts, predominantly in news and media, lifestyle, and scientific publications. While alternatives like "chopsticks set" or "two chopsticks" exist, "pair of chopsticks" remains the most frequently employed and universally understood term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chopsticks set

Replaces "pair" with "set", emphasizing the collection of utensils.

two chopsticks

Directly specifies the quantity of chopsticks.

eating sticks

A more general term referring to the function of the chopsticks.

sushi sticks

Implies use for eating sushi, narrowing the context.

Chinese sticks

Refers to the origin and usage of the utensils.

Japanese sticks

Refers to the origin and usage of the utensils.

utensil pair

More generic term.

dinner sticks

Emphasizes the purpose of eating.

chopsticks utensil

Less common but emphasizes the utensil type.

Asian dining sticks

Specifically refers to Asian dining culture.

FAQs

How can I correctly use "pair of chopsticks" in a sentence?

You can use "pair of chopsticks" when referring to the utensils used for eating, for example, "I used a "pair of chopsticks" to eat my noodles."

What are some alternatives to saying "pair of chopsticks"?

You can use alternatives like "chopsticks set" or "two chopsticks" to refer to the same thing.

Is it correct to say "a chopsticks" instead of "a pair of chopsticks"?

No, "a chopsticks" is grammatically incorrect. Chopsticks are typically used in pairs, so the correct phrase is "a pair of chopsticks" or simply "chopsticks".

What's the difference between "pair of chopsticks" and "chopstick"?

"Chopstick" refers to a single utensil, while "pair of chopsticks" refers to the two utensils used together. For example, "I dropped a chopstick" versus "I need a pair of chopsticks".