pair of paper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pair of paper" is not correct in standard written English.
It is likely intended to refer to a "pair of papers" or "sheet of paper," depending on the context. Example: "I need a pair of papers to complete my assignment."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The line, when idle, can be looped around a pair of paper clips on the handle.

The New Yorker

In the direst emergency, one needs food, water and a pair of paper pants.

The Guardian - Arts

Hot glue the feet to the bottom of a pair of paper towel tubes, then wrap the tubes with several rows of brown construction paper fringe.

Princeton University

The alternative to self-tanning is, of course, climbing into a pair of paper pants and being spraypainted like a new car.

Independent

But the residents of this border town are risking their countrymen's wrath by blocking highways to Uruguay to protest the construction of a pair of paper mills there that they say will pollute the river that forms the frontier between the countries.

The New York Times

But while I was preparing the quarters for some new pigs the other afternoon, I looked up and saw a pair of paper wasps delicately dabbing at the edges of a small nest hanging from a single stem under the pig-house eave.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

When Ilona opened her door, she'd found the Ph.D. standing on her front steps in a pair of paper-sheer yellow jogging shorts.

The New Yorker

At Gucci, Tom Ford has swapped his signature tight, sexy second-wife silhouette for a slouchy pair of paper-bag-waist pajama pants, which could look just as chic driving the car pool as they could on the veranda at cocktail hour.

The New York Times - Style

In 1964, he submitted a pair of papers to the Journal of Theoretical Biology.

The New Yorker

Their results are published in a pair of papers in the May 27 issue of Nature.

The New York Times - Science

Their findings appear in a pair of papers published online by the journal Science.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a single sheet of paper, use "sheet of paper" or "piece of paper". To refer to two sheets, use "two sheets of paper" or "a couple of sheets of paper". For multiple documents, use "pair of papers" or "set of papers".

Common error

Avoid using "pair of paper" when you mean a single sheet. "Pair" implies two, so use it only when referring to two sheets or, correctly, to multiple documents ("pair of papers").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pair of paper" is typically intended to function as a noun phrase, either to describe a single sheet of paper incorrectly or, more accurately, a set of two related documents. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is not correct in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pair of paper" is generally considered grammatically incorrect when referring to a single sheet; the correct term is "sheet of paper" or "piece of paper". The phrase "pair of papers" is appropriate when referring to two related documents or articles. Ludwig AI confirms the non-standard usage of "pair of paper". Ensure accurate communication by using the correct phrasing based on the intended meaning. Remember, "pair" implies two, so use it accordingly to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sheet of paper

Corrects the grammatical error by using singular "sheet" instead of plural "pair", implying a single piece of paper.

two sheets of paper

Specifies the quantity of paper as two, correcting the improper use of "pair".

piece of paper

Offers a general way to refer to a single, unspecified sheet of paper.

couple of sheets of paper

Uses "couple" as a synonym for "pair", but maintains correct grammar with "sheets".

pair of papers

Changes the focus to multiple documents or scholarly articles.

set of papers

Emphasizes a collection of related documents or articles.

stack of paper

Refers to multiple sheets of paper together.

ream of paper

Indicates a large quantity of paper, typically 500 sheets.

paper stock

Referring to the supply of paper.

paper supply

Referring to the amount of paper currently available.

FAQs

How can I correctly use the word "pair" with paper?

Use "pair of papers" when referring to two documents or scholarly articles. If you mean a single sheet, use "sheet of paper" or "piece of paper".

What's the difference between "pair of paper" and "sheet of paper"?

"Pair of paper" is grammatically incorrect when referring to a single sheet. Use "sheet of paper" for one and "two sheets of paper" or "pair of papers" for two documents.

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

If you intend to indicate one sheet of paper you can use alternatives like "sheet of paper" or "piece of paper". If you intend to indicate two documents or articles use "pair of papers".

Is "pair of paper" ever correct?

No, the phrase "pair of paper" is not grammatically correct for a single sheet. However, "pair of papers" is correct when referring to two documents or scholarly articles.