pair of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pair of things" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to two items that are considered together. An example is: "I bought a pair of shoes." Alternative expressions include "set of items" and "couple of objects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I wish I had never worn… a pair of things called Polyveldts, in the 1970s.

Independent

"We don't sell stuff that is considered useful," said Ms. Sherman, top, whose stock runs to Rust Belt industrial equipment that she describes as "artistic stuff -- it's not the pair of things, the Ikea sofa, the sisal rug; that's the kiss of death".

The New York Times

But deeming a pair of things "shoes" while combining the word with 'buying clothes' ("buying clothes and shoes") is still deeming them shoes.

SEP

Don't even think about some multicolored pair of things that go with a single outfit only.

Huffington Post

On the top and bottom of the left side of the bridge, write the first pair of things that have this relationship.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Twelve drawings of pairs of things.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, July 28 , 1980P. 30 Twelve drawings of pairs of things.

The New Yorker

By Saul Steinberg The New Yorker, July 28 , 1980P. 30 Twelve drawings of pairs of things.

The New Yorker

The Hebrew name for the city, Yerushalayim, ends with "-ayim," a grammatical construction used for pairs of things.

The New York Times

The problem is that verbs and pronouns used in the scene are of a special type called the "dual," which can be employed only for pairs of things (eyes, legs, oxen, etc).

The New Yorker

The problem is that verbs and pronouns used in the scene are of a special type called the "dual," which can be employed only for pairs of things (eyes, legs, oxen, etc).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal logic or scientific writing, ensure the relationship between the two things is clearly defined, as the term implies a specific grouping.

Common error

Do not use "pair of things" as a vague synonym for "a few." While "couple of things" is often used colloquially to mean 'two or three', "pair of things" almost strictly refers to exactly two. Misusing it can lead to confusion in precise technical or instructional writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pair of things" functions as a noun phrase where "pair" acts as a collective noun or quantifier. According to Ludwig AI examples, it is often used to categorize items that share a common identity, such as "shoes" or "cassette players". It follows standard English quantifier patterns where a noun of quantity is linked to its objects via the preposition "of".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Professional

3%

Social Media

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pair of things" is a highly versatile and grammatically correct noun phrase that explicitly denotes a set of two. According to Ludwig AI and the provided search data, the phrase is frequently employed by top-tier publications like The New York Times and The Guardian to describe everything from physical apparel to abstract logical concepts. While it is less frequent than the more colloquial "couple of things", it provides a higher degree of numerical precision and formal weight. It is particularly useful in Scientific and Academic writing when discussing ordered sets or dualities. Writers should use it to emphasize a specific relationship between two items, ensuring that the context justifies the implication of a functional or formal link.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

couple of things

Less formal and implies a small number (usually two) without necessarily being a matched set.

set of items

More formal and can refer to any number of things, focusing on them as a collection.

brace of things

A more traditional or technical term specifically for a pair, often used in hunting or older literature.

duo of items

Often used when the two things are perceived as having a collaborative or performance-based relationship.

two distinct things

Emphasizes the separation and individual nature of the two items.

matching pair

Adds the specification that the two items correspond exactly to one another.

dual elements

Used in more technical or abstract contexts to describe a system with two parts.

binary set

A mathematical or logical term for a collection of two elements.

handful of things

Suggests a small, imprecise number, usually more than two but less than ten.

combination of items

Focuses on the interaction between the things rather than just the count.

FAQs

How do I use "pair of things" in a sentence?

You can use "pair of things" to describe two related items, for example: "The researcher identified a "pair of things" that correlated perfectly."

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

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

Which is correct: "pair of things" or "couple of things"?

Both are correct, but ""pair of things"" specifically denotes two items that go together, while ""couple of things"" is more informal and can sometimes mean 'a few'.

Is "pair of things" formal enough for academic writing?

Yes, it is used in formal contexts like the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy to describe logical sets. However, for more precision, you might use "binary set" or "ordered pair".