pair of claws

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pair of claws" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two claws, typically in the context of animals or objects that have claw-like features. Example: "The crab scuttled across the sand, its pair of claws raised defensively."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

A smaller relative of Anomalocaris is the bizarre Opabinia, with its five eyes mounted on an arthropod-like body and a long nozzlelike structure fitted with a single pair of claws that protrudes forward from the head.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Everybody knows the lobster with its asymmetric pair of claws, the large crusher usually on the left and the smaller cutter on the right.

Current Biology

The first pair of pereiopods is armed with a large, asymmetrical pair of claws.

Wikipedia

As Morgan pulled into second, he raised both arms above his head while splaying the fingers of each hand so as to mimic a pair of claws.

Huffington Post

It may grow to a length of 60 cm and a mass of 6 kg, and bears a conspicuous pair of claws.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Finally, at the raggedy tail end, where sprung-cane seats and mottled mirrors fade into scrap metal, there stood two heavy iron legs, each branching into a pair of claw feet.

The New York Times

The rest of the parasite consists of a crustacean-like carapace, several pairs of claws, and arms.

Wikipedia

The three pairs of claws are covered with hairs in Homarinus, while those of Homarus are hairless.

Wikipedia

At the very tip of its tail, draw pairs of claw-like spikes.

WikiHow

At the very tip of its tail, draw two pairs of claw-like spikes.

WikiHow

I felt like a pair of ragged claws scuttling across the floor of silent seas".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an animal's anatomy, use "pair of claws" to clearly indicate the presence of two claws, especially when differentiating from species with a single claw or multiple sets of claws.

Common error

Avoid using "pair of claws" when referring to a single claw or a general characteristic of a species that might possess multiple claws. In such cases, use "claw" or specify "a claw" to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pair of claws" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies and describes a specific anatomical feature consisting of two claws. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

20%

News & Media

32%

Science

24%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The noun phrase "pair of claws" is grammatically correct and serves a descriptive function, identifying two claws, often in the context of animal anatomy. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is usable in various written contexts. Its usage is relatively uncommon but appears across diverse sources, including news media, scientific publications, encyclopedias, and wikis. Alternative phrases, like "set of claws", offer subtle variations in meaning. When using "pair of claws", be mindful of accurately representing the presence of specifically two claws, and avoid misusing it in singular contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

paired claws

Changes the order of the words for emphasis but conveys the same meaning.

set of claws

Replaces "pair" with "set", implying a collection or group of claws functioning together.

two claws

Simplifies the phrase by explicitly stating the number of claws.

matching claws

Emphasizes that the claws are similar or identical.

brace of claws

Uses "brace", which implies a pair or couple, often in hunting contexts.

coordinated claws

Highlights that the claws work together in a coordinated manner.

dual claws

Replaces "pair" with "dual", stressing the two-part nature of the claws.

double claws

Uses "double" to indicate the presence of two claws.

matched claws

Indicates the claws are alike in size or appearance.

complementary claws

Suggests the claws work in tandem to achieve a specific function.

FAQs

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

You can use "pair of claws" to describe animals or objects that have two claws, such as "The lobster brandished its pair of claws defensively".

What is a synonym for "pair of claws"?

A synonym for "pair of claws" is "set of claws", which also implies a collection of claws functioning together.

When should I use "pair of claws" instead of just "claws"?

Use "pair of claws" when you want to emphasize that there are specifically two claws being referred to. Using just "claws" is appropriate when referring to multiple claws in general.

What kind of animals are known for having a prominent pair of claws?

Crabs, lobsters, and scorpions are examples of animals that have a prominent pair of claws, also called chelae, which they use for defense, feeding, and mating.