pair well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pair well" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe how two things complement each other, often in the context of food and drink or other combinations. Example: "This wine pairs well with the grilled salmon, enhancing the flavors of both."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Relationships

Wine

Combinations

Flavors

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Wrinkles and randy remarks pair well.

The New York Times - Arts

Sweet winter vegetables also pair well with spicy seasonings.

The New York Times

The nine I tasted pair well with hams.

The New York Times

I considered almonds, as they pair well with peaches.

The New York Times - Food

It would also pair well with a glass of syrah.

The New York Times

He thought it would pair well with his salt-crust baked duck breast, Savoy's signature dish.

The New York Times - Food

Perhaps, but another person who knew the pair well believes Bellow's motive was unarticulated jealousy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Heggessey knows the pair well, having worked with them when they were at the BBC.

The Guardian

Yellow plums and greengages are delicately sweet and pair well with my rye crumble recipe here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The wine, it says, will pair well with roasted small game, grilled meats and fish steaks.

The New York Times

Older cheeses also pair well with reds that have ripe plum and fruit flavors.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food and beverage pairings, use "pair well" to suggest a complementary flavor profile that enhances the overall dining experience.

Common error

While "pair well" is versatile, avoid overuse in strictly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "complement" or "correlate" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pair well" functions as a verb phrase, indicating compatibility or harmonious combination between two or more elements. Ludwig showcases this in numerous examples, particularly in contexts related to food, wine, and design, demonstrating how different items can enhance each other.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

20%

Food

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pair well" is a versatile and common expression used to describe how two or more things complement each other effectively. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in discussions related to food, beverages, and design. The analysis reveals its neutral register, making it suitable for both informal and semi-formal communication. While highly versatile, avoiding overuse in strictly formal or academic writing is advisable, opting instead for synonyms like "complement" or "harmonize". With numerous examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, "pair well" remains a reliable and practical phrase for everyday use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complement each other

Emphasizes mutual enhancement, differing from "pair well" which can simply indicate compatibility.

go well together

A more general and less formal way of saying things combine harmoniously.

match harmoniously

Highlights the aesthetic or functional compatibility between items.

blend seamlessly

Suggests a smooth and unnoticeable integration of two or more elements.

coordinate effectively

Implies a planned or managed compatibility for a specific purpose.

harmonize beautifully

Focuses on the pleasing and balanced nature of the combination.

work in synergy

Suggests that the combination creates a result greater than the sum of its parts.

make a good combination

A simple and direct way of expressing compatibility.

are a fitting match

Highlights the appropriateness and suitability of the pairing.

relate compatibly

Indicates a relationship where the items coexist without conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "pair well" in a sentence?

You can use "pair well" to describe how two or more things complement each other. For example, "This cheese pairs well with a crisp white wine."

What can I say instead of "pair well"?

You can use alternatives like "complement each other", "go well together", or "match harmoniously" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "pairs well with" or "pair well with"?

Both forms are grammatically correct; however, "pairs well with" is used when referring to a singular subject, while "pair well with" is used for plural subjects.

What kind of things can "pair well"?

Items that "pair well" can range from food and beverages to colors and even personality traits, as long as they create a pleasing or effective combination.