pair of water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pair of water" is not correct and not usable in written English.
It seems to be a misunderstanding, as "pair" typically refers to two of something that are similar or complementary, while "water" is a singular, uncountable noun. Example: "I need a glass of water, not a pair of water."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

It is pink, decorated with a cartoon princess, and scarcely thicker than a pair of water wings.

The Guardian

And with heroic music playing, he marched determinedly toward a pair of water fountains labeled, segregation style, "Staff" and "Dave".

The New York Times - Magazine

Clanny's lamp made use of bellows and a pair of water cisterns to maintain an isolated flame.

The Guardian

A pair of water cannons sprayed it, to tamp it down, in anticipation of the impending collapse of a segment of upper deck.

The New Yorker

On the same front porch where I had removed so many black widows, I kept a pair of water shoes and some fishing tackle.

The New York Times - Science

Soon after we meet Tony Vallelonga in "Green Book," the Italian American man tosses out a pair of water glasses because black repairmen drank out of them.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

A thin stream of glass exiting from the forehearth is fed between a pair of water-cooled rollers, which form a series of patties in the stream.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Harmo Thorneycroft's Teucer, an over-life-sized archer wearing naught but a fig leaf, has a nice, clenched arse as he aims an invisible arrow at John Gibson's swooning marble Hylas, who is being abducted by a pair of water-nymphs across the way.

The Guardian - Arts

The park also features a pair of water-centric roller coasters by Mack Rides similar to Atlantica and Poseidon at Europa-Park in Germany.

Los Angeles Times

The park also is expected to feature a pair of water-centric roller coasters by Mack Rides similar to Atlantica and Poseidon at Europa-Park in Germany.

Los Angeles Times

He's kitted me out in huge boots and a billowing pair of water-proof trousers -- and yes, I fall flat on my back on exiting his hut even before we board the sled.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Common error

Avoid using "pair" with uncountable nouns like "water". "Pair" implies two distinct, countable items. Instead, use quantifiers like "glass", "bottle", or "amount" to specify the quantity of water.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pair of water" is grammatically incorrect. "Pair" denotes two countable items, while "water" is an uncountable noun. This violates basic English grammar rules, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pair of water" is grammatically incorrect. "Pair" should be used with countable nouns, whereas "water" is an uncountable noun. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is unusable in written English. Instead, use alternatives like "glass of water", "bottle of water", or "some water" to correctly express a quantity of water. The phrase's incorrectness makes its register and usage patterns irrelevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

glass of water

Focuses on a single serving of water in a drinking vessel.

bottle of water

Refers to a commercially packaged quantity of water.

body of water

Denotes a natural accumulation of water, like a lake or river.

supply of water

Emphasizes the provision or availability of water.

source of water

Highlights the origin or place where water comes from.

sample of water

Indicates a small amount of water taken for testing.

unit of water

Expresses water as a measurable quantity.

amount of water

Refers to an unspecified quantity of water.

type of water

Classifies water based on its properties or origin.

form of water

Denotes water in different states (liquid, solid, gas).

FAQs

How to ask for water correctly?

Instead of asking for a "pair of water", which is incorrect, you can ask for "a glass of water", "a bottle of water", or simply "some water".

What are some ways to describe the quantity of water?

You can use terms like "a glass of water", "a liter of water", or "an "amount of water"" to specify how much water you are referring to.

Is it ever correct to use "pair" with liquids?

While "pair" is typically used with countable items, you might use it metaphorically. However, in the context of water, it's best to use more precise quantifiers or descriptions.

What's the difference between "a glass of water" and "some water"?

"A glass of water" refers to a specific quantity in a drinking vessel, while "some water" indicates an unspecified quantity. Choose the phrase that best fits the context of your sentence.