pair of trainers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pair of trainers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a set of athletic shoes or sneakers, typically in a casual or informal context. Example: "I just bought a new pair of trainers for my morning runs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

CHRIS I'll be wearing a pair of trainers.

The Guardian - Music

A plasma-screen TV and a pair of trainers.

The Guardian - Opinion

A pair of trainers in the current collection is $950.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Jeans, jumper, flat shoes or a pair of trainers.

The New York Times

"To my horror I saw a pair of trainers.

Independent

A pair of trainers here, a checked shirt there, a watch or wallet.

The Guardian

I visited the M&S Handforth store near Wilmslow, looking for a pair of trainers.

The Guardian - Money

Brodie-Sangster says they're only the second pair of trainers he's ever bought.

The Guardian

"You don't have to spend money for gear -- except for a pair of trainers.

The New York Times - Style

God forgive me, I interviewed Christian Louboutin while wearing a pair of trainers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With obstacle races, all you need is a pair of trainers".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific type of trainer, be specific (e.g. "trail running trainers" or "cross-training trainers") rather than just using the general term.

Common error

Avoid using "trainers" in formal contexts or when referring to dress shoes. "Trainers" are casual footwear and not suitable for formal occasions or professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pair of trainers" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object within a sentence. It identifies a specific item: athletic footwear. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

25%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pair of trainers" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase, primarily used in neutral to informal contexts to refer to athletic footwear. While perfectly acceptable in general writing, alternative terms like "athletic shoes" or "sports footwear" might be more appropriate in formal settings. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is widely recognized and used in English, especially in British English. Considering your target audience is important, as American English speakers tend to prefer "sneakers". Ensure the context is appropriate and consistent to avoid any stylistic inconsistencies. With a high expert rating and frequent usage across news, lifestyle, and opinion pieces, "pair of trainers" remains a reliable and effective choice in many situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

athletic shoes

Refers to shoes specifically designed for sports or physical activities.

running shoes

Specifically designed for running, emphasizing function over general use.

sports footwear

A more formal term for shoes used in sports.

sneakers

A general term for athletic shoes, more common in American English.

gym shoes

Shoes specifically used for indoor activities and gym workouts.

tennis shoes

Shoes specifically made for tennis, impacting semantic congruity due to narrower function.

jogging shoes

Designed primarily for jogging, indicating a more specific activity.

training shoes

Emphasizes the use of the shoes for exercise and training purposes.

exercise shoes

Focuses on the shoes' application in general physical exercise.

casual footwear

A broad term encompassing various informal shoe styles, with a reduced focus on athletics.

FAQs

What is the difference between "pair of trainers" and "pair of sneakers"?

The terms "pair of trainers" and "pair of sneakers" refer to the same type of footwear, but "trainers" is more commonly used in British English, while "sneakers" is predominantly used in American English. The choice depends on your audience.

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

You can use alternatives such as "athletic shoes", "running shoes", or "sports footwear" depending on the context.

Is "pair of trainers" singular or plural?

"Pair of trainers" is grammatically plural because it refers to two shoes. However, it is often used with a singular verb when considered as a single item or unit. For example: "That pair of trainers is new."

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

You can use "pair of trainers" in a sentence to describe the footwear someone is wearing, buying, or using for an activity. For example: "I need a new pair of trainers for the marathon." or "He was wearing a pair of trainers with his suit."