pair of clothes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pair of clothes" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to two articles of clothing, typically of the same type, that are intended to be worn together. For example, "I bought a new pair of clothes for the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

I just need one pair of clothes".

The New Yorker

I don't want to spend too much time on one pair of clothes".

The New Yorker

S: It's a pair of clothes.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

For them, it offers so much more than just a pair of clothes to sleep in.

Huffington Post

Don't forget a pair of clothes for the next day.

WikiHow

Also, if you are vomiting, keep an extra pair of clothes.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

No doubt you were stuffing quarters into the washing machine at the laundromat to wash the three pairs of clothes you own.

TechCrunch

We also grabbed food, two pairs of clothes each, important papers, candles, lighters, bottled water and our little puppy.

Huffington Post

Participants in CT-HH were less likely to have ≥2 pairs of clothes compared to non-CT HH (AOR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.16-0.63).

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Advise guests to bring two pairs of clothes.

WikiHow

Wear your favorite pairs of clothes that you haven't worn for a very long time.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When packing for a trip, specify the number of "pairs of clothes" needed for different activities to help avoid overpacking.

Common error

Avoid using "pair of clothes" when referring to unmatched items. "Pair" implies items that function as a set. For example, don't say "I have a pair of clothes," if you are referring to one shirt and one pair of trousers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pair of clothes" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to a set of garments intended to be worn together. Ludwig provides examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

43%

News & Media

36%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pair of clothes" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that refers to a set of garments intended to be worn together. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, with the most frequent uses in Wiki, News & Media, and Scientific sources. When using this phrase, ensure that you are referring to matching items and are not misinterpreting the count. For alternatives, you can consider "outfit" or "set of clothing" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set of clothing

Replaces "pair" with "set", focusing on a collection of items.

outfit

Substitutes the entire phrase, referring to a complete set of garments.

change of clothes

Focuses on having an alternative set available.

suit of clothes

Emphasizes a coordinated set, though typically more formal.

articles of clothing

More formal and general, referring to individual items.

ensemble

A more stylish or curated set of clothes.

wardrobe

Refers to a collection of clothing items owned by a person.

clothing

A very general term for what one wears.

garments

A more formal term for articles of dress.

attire

Formal and emphasizing style or suitability.

FAQs

How to use "pair of clothes" in a sentence?

You can use "pair of clothes" to indicate a set of garments, as in, "I need to pack a fresh "pair of clothes" for the gym."

What can I say instead of "pair of clothes"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "outfit", "set of clothing", or "change of clothes".

Is "pair of clothes" singular or plural?

"Pair" indicates a set of two, but "clothes" is plural, so the phrase is used to describe a set of garments rather than a single item.

What's the difference between "pair of clothes" and "clothing"?

"Clothing" is a general term for garments worn, while "pair of clothes" specifically implies a set or "outfit" intended to be worn together.