pair of skates

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pair of skates" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a set of skates designed for skating, whether on ice or roller skates. Example: "I just bought a new pair of skates for the upcoming ice hockey season."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

If Torts had a pair of skates on, I wonder what he would have done".

The New York Times - Sports

He began skating at age four after family friends gave him a pair of skates they no longer wanted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He laced up his first pair of skates at a young age and had no shortage of rinks nearby.

The Washington Post

Mr. Falanga urgently presses his own son's first pair of skates, manly black hockey skates, on the boy's mom.

The New York Times

We are always looking for new people to join our team, whether you've played before, or have never tried on a pair of skates.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"One of the young players who showed up brought an extra pair of skates and Kirill put them on," Shea said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

These also happened to be a pair of skate shoes in just the right colour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Frick and Frack comes from a pair of skating comedians who later conceptualized the Ice Follies.

Huffington Post

This article originallYayoieared on VICE UKusama

Vice

For eight years a pair of skate shoes belonging to schoolboy Daniel Morcombe lay buried on the banks of small pond on rural farmland outside Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

Vice

In order to minimize variations in resistance, all subjects used the same pair of skating roller skis with standard wheels (Swenor Roller skis, Troesken, Norway), which were pre-warmed before each test by 20 min of roller skiing on the treadmill, and tested for rolling friction force (Ff) with the towing test previously described by Sandbakk et al. (2010a).

European Journal of Applied Physiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about skating, be specific about the type of skates (ice, roller, inline) to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "pair of skates" when the specific type of skate matters. Distinguish between ice skates, roller skates, and inline skates to provide accurate information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pair of skates" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific item of equipment used for skating. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pair of skates" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase referring to the footwear used for skating. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's frequently used in News & Media, Wiki, and Encyclopedias. To enhance clarity, consider specifying the type of skates when relevant (ice, roller, or inline). While the phrase maintains a neutral register, its usage varies from personal anecdotes to factual reports, making it essential to choose the right phrasing according to the context. Be mindful of specifying types to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ice skates

Specifies skates designed for use on ice, a common type of skates.

roller skates

Specifies skates designed for use on pavement, a common type of skates.

inline skates

Refers to a specific type of roller skate with wheels in a single line.

hockey skates

A type of ice skate specifically designed for playing ice hockey.

figure skates

Ice skates designed for figure skating, offering more ankle support and having toe picks.

skating equipment

Broader term encompassing various items used for skating, including skates.

new skates

Focuses on the novelty of the skates rather than the type.

first skates

Highlights the initial experience with skates.

skating shoes

Shoes designed for skateboarding, conceptually related as footwear for a sport involving wheels.

rented skates

Emphasizes the temporary use of skates, contrasting with ownership.

FAQs

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

You can say, "He received a new "pair of skates" for his birthday", or "She learned to skate with her first "pair of skates".

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

Depending on the context, you could use more specific terms like "ice skates", "roller skates", or "inline skates".

What's the difference between "pair of skates" and "skating equipment"?

"Pair of skates" refers specifically to the footwear used for skating. "Skating equipment" is a broader term that includes skates, protective gear, and other accessories.

Is it better to buy or rent a "pair of skates"?

Buying a "pair of skates" is ideal if you skate frequently, as it provides better fit and support. Renting is suitable for occasional use.