pair of shots

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pair of shots" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as photography, film, or sports, where two shots are taken or referenced together. Example: "The photographer captured a stunning pair of shots that perfectly showcased the sunset."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Photography

Film

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The Terrapins' defense held; Iowa's pair of shots to win it on its final possession missed.

The Washington Post

89 min: Conway flashes a pair of shots, the first worn on the head by McShane, the second goes wide.

The Guardian - Sport

No. 16 seed Western Carolina had a pair of shots in the air at the buzzer that could have beaten or tied No. 1 Purdue.

The New York Times - Sports

The question of framing is illustrated by a pair of shots: the first focuses tightly on the anxious face of a small boy, his forehead crusted with dried blood.

The New York Times

Ohio State had taken the improbable route to this point, behind back-to-back buzzer-beaters, a pair of shots hoisted in the final seconds to snatch consecutive victories over Iowa State and Arizona.

The New York Times - Sports

With 6 minutes 28 seconds remaining, the 7-foot-1 Holy Cross center Josh Sankes stepped to the free-throw line, and with his deliberate, telescoping style, made a pair of shots to tie the score at 58-58.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

After the break, as the Red Foxes improved against the press, Princeton tightened its half-court defense, forcing a pair of shot clock violations and holding Marist to 8-for-27 shooting from the floor (29.6percentt).

Princeton University

Attali analyzed more than 170,000 such pairs of shots, by 448 different players.

Huffington Post

Attali was most interested in analyzing pairs of shots: That is, if a player attempted a shot, what happened on the team's next possession?

Huffington Post

Relative velocity changes are obtained for about 5 15 paths between the shot and stations for each pair of the shots (Table 1).

Earth, Planets and Space

Maryland tied the score at 76-76 on a pair of foul shots by Williams.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In film or photography, use "pair of shots" when discussing two related images or scenes that complement each other, such as "The director used a "pair of shots" to highlight the contrast between the characters' emotions."

Common error

While "pair of shots" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "couple of shots" or more descriptive phrases depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pair of shots" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object within a sentence. As shown in Ludwig, it refers to two instances of taking a shot, whether in sports, photography, or another context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pair of shots" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe two instances of shooting in various contexts such as sports, film, and photography. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and utility in English writing. While synonyms like "couple of shots" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using this phrase, consider the context and audience to ensure clarity and avoid repetition. It is important to be aware that even if grammatically correct, overuse should be avoided in formal writing. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Sports contexts, indicating its relevance in those domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

couple of shots

This alternative uses a different synonym for 'pair', maintaining the same meaning.

two shots

This is a more direct and literal way of saying the same thing.

duo of shots

This alternative replaces 'pair' with 'duo', implying a set of two.

brace of shots

This alternative is more formal and less common, using 'brace' instead of 'pair'.

set of two shots

This emphasizes the shots as a set, specifying the quantity.

sequence of two shots

This alternative suggests the shots are part of a sequence or series.

twin shots

Emphasizes similarity or synchronicity between the shots.

successive shots

Emphasizes that the shots occurred one after the other.

double shot

This is a more concise way of referring to two shots taken as one.

combination of shots

Suggests the shots are linked or intended to work together.

FAQs

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

You can use "pair of shots" to describe two attempts in sports, like "He made a "pair of shots" to win the game", or to describe two related images in film, such as "The director used a "pair of shots" to show the contrast".

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

You can use alternatives like "couple of shots", "set of shots", or "duo of shots" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "pair of shots" in a formal setting?

Yes, "pair of shots" is generally correct, but consider the context. In highly formal writing, a more precise or descriptive alternative might be preferable.

What's the difference between "pair of shots" and "couple of shots"?

"Pair of shots" and "couple of shots" are often interchangeable. "Pair" emphasizes the number two and belonging together, while "couple" can also imply a close relationship or connection between the shots.