pair with

USAGE SUMMARY

"pair with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to matching two things together, usually in a complementary way. For example: "This elegant dress is perfect for pairing with your favorite jewelry".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What to pair with gin?

The New York Times - Food

"Not necessarily something to pair with food".

The New York Times - Food

Smartphone apps pair with these devices, naturally.

The Economist

Pair With Coxswain: United States.

The New York Times - Sports

Pair with nothing but unbridled confidence.

The New Yorker

Pair with a midi (see above).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Provide each pair with two to four t-shirt cutouts.

The New York Times

To pair with the beef, Prentice suggests Barolo.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Gerald Williams then knocked in a pair with a single.

The New York Times - Sports

Pair with a novel: To the Hermitage, by Malcolm Bradbury.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But what do you pair with flared Bermudas?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pair with", ensure the items being paired are logically related and the combination creates a meaningful connection. For example, "Pair this wine with a rich cheese for the best flavor experience."

Common error

Avoid using "pair with" when a simpler verb like "use" or "combine" would suffice. For instance, instead of "Pair this tool with the software", consider "Use this tool with the software".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pair with" is to act as a transitive phrasal verb. It connects two elements, indicating that they are intended to be used or experienced together in a complementary way. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

21%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "pair with" is a common and grammatically sound way to suggest compatible combinations across diverse contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news, scientific, and wiki sources, indicating its broad applicability. When writing, ensure the pairing is logically related and consider simpler alternatives like "combine" or "use" to avoid redundancy. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "pair with" to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go well with

Indicates a pleasing or successful combination, often in the context of food or design.

match with

Focuses on the compatibility of two items, implying they are well-suited for each other.

combine with

Indicates a merging or blending of two items, similar to pairing but suggesting a more integrated result.

complement with

Highlights how one item enhances or completes the other, creating a more desirable combination.

coordinate with

Suggests working together harmoniously, often in a planned or organized manner.

blend with

Suggests a smooth mixing or merging of two elements, often creating a new entity.

integrate with

Describes a process of blending or incorporating one item into another, often seamlessly.

harmonize with

Emphasizes the aesthetic appeal or balance created by combining two items.

team up with

Implies a collaboration or partnership, often for a specific purpose or goal.

associate with

Suggests a mental connection or link between two items, rather than a physical combination.

FAQs

How to use "pair with" in a sentence?

You can use "pair with" to describe compatible combinations, such as "This appetizer pairs well with a crisp white wine" or "Pair the dress with sandals for a casual look".

What can I say instead of "pair with"?

Alternatives include "match with", "combine with", or "coordinate with", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "pair with" or "pairs with"?

"Pair with" is the base form, used with plural subjects or in the imperative. "Pairs with" is used with singular subjects in the present tense, like "This wine pairs well with cheese".

What's the difference between "pair with" and "team up with"?

"Pair with" generally refers to combining items or concepts, while "team up with" implies a collaborative effort between people or groups.