pairs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pairs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to two items that are matched or grouped together, often in contexts like clothing, data analysis, or relationships. Example: "The store sells socks in pairs, so you can always find a matching set."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even when we had 14 pairs here, the RSPB still wanted more, instead of dispelling the myth that the harrier could take gamekeepers' livelihoods away".

The Guardian

In 2007 there were 15 breeding pairs in England.

The Guardian

A UK-wide survey in 2008 then found only five breeding pairs had survived - a 1% success rate.

The Guardian

And if you are going bra-free Pretty Perfect Nipple Daisies, pack of five Pairs for Single Use from Amazon By Perfection, pack of two silicone nipple covers See: Sabina Motasem's slinky designs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Across the two areas are about a million pairs of Adélie penguins, more than a dozen species of whale, more than a third of the world's population of emperor penguins, abundant krill and fish species and the Ross Sea region's top predator – the toothfish, which can grow to two metres weighing 200 kilos (they've evolved special anti-freeze like proteins to survive in the frigid waters).

The Guardian

But then they just churned out a billion pairs of adult-sized glasses that don't fit anyone under eight.

The Guardian - Tech

It estimated that between 2003-07 there should have been 499 breeding pairs on the 3,696km2 of grouse moors across Britain which were being "driven", or actively used for shooting, in those years.

The Guardian

The RSPB reckons there are 1,600 breeding pairs in Britain, but that seems a conservative estimate.

The Guardian - Travel

Two of Great Britain's most exciting sailing pairs will go for gold – as long as the wind blows – on Friday and try to ensure their nation hangs on to its reputation as the sport's strongest force.

The Guardian - Sport

This spring the photographer Dominick Tyler is publishing Uncommon Ground, which pairs 100 place words with 100 photographs of the phenomena to which the words refer, from arête ("a sharp-edged mountain ridge, often between two glacier-carved corries") to zawn (a Cornish term for a "wave-smashed chasm in a cliff").

The Guardian - Books

Especially for childless pairs, longing to conceive, "addressing that is not on the list of priorities", Widra says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about living creatures, specify if you are referring to breeding "pairs" or just a general number of individuals. This adds precision to ecological or zoological contexts.

Common error

Ensure the verb agrees with the plural noun "pairs". A common mistake is to use a singular verb form (e.g., "The pairs is...") when it should be plural (e.g., "The pairs are...").

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pairs" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple sets of two items considered together or related in some way. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts, reinforcing its role as a countable noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

20%

Travel

15%

Less common in

Sport

10%

Books

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "pairs" is a common and grammatically sound plural noun used to denote multiple sets of two. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability across various contexts, including news, lifestyle, and travel. While "pairs" itself maintains a neutral register, its use is influenced by the surrounding text. Remember to ensure verb agreement and contextually appropriate usage. Consider using alternatives like "couples", "sets of two", or "duos" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

couples

Refers specifically to two people in a relationship.

sets of two

Emphasizes the grouping of two items together.

brace

Implies a pair, often in hunting or shooting context.

team of two

Highlights collaboration or partnership between two individuals.

duo

A pair, specifically in a musical or performance setting.

matched set

Indicates that two items are designed to be used together.

twofold

Highlights the dual nature or composition of something.

dyad

A more formal or academic term for a pair or group of two.

twinning

The process of forming or resembling a pair.

doublet

Two things of the same kind.

FAQs

How to use "pairs" in a sentence?

The word "pairs" is the plural form of "pair", referring to two items used together or similar in some way. For example, "She bought three "pairs of shoes"" or "The data was analyzed in "pairs"".

What can I say instead of "pairs"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "couples" (for people), "sets of two", "duos", or "matched sets".

Is it correct to say "a pairs"?

No, it is incorrect. "Pairs" is already plural. The correct phrasing would be "a pair" (singular) or "some pairs" (plural).

What is the difference between "pairs" and "pair"?

"Pair" refers to a single set of two items, while "pairs" refers to multiple sets of two items. For example, "I have a "pair of socks"" versus "I have several "pairs of socks"".