the final pair

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the final pair" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the last two items in a set or sequence. Example: "After reviewing all the options, we have narrowed it down to the final pair of candidates for the position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Karstens and Ledecka are the final pair.

The Guardian - Sport

None were bigger than the final pair.

The New York Times

The final pair exchange singles, and it's all over.

The Guardian - Sport

p. 396, l. 7: the final pair should be (Thanks to Zeki Bayram).

Stanford University

The second element of the final pair is None, which indicates that the list has ended.

University of California, Berkeley

Pechstein skated with her teammate Heike Warnicke in the final pair.

The New York Times - Sports

George H.W. Bush was 'a self-proclaimed sock man.' This is the final pair he'll wear.

The Washington Post

George H.W. Bush was a 'self-proclaimed sock man.' This is the final pair he'll wear.

The Washington Post

They were the final pair, and a crowd of six hundred was there to watch.

The New Yorker

The final pair of appendages may also be legs in some species, but usually are modified into paddles.

University of California, Berkeley

Sweden takes on Switzerland and England faces Colombia in the final pair of games before the quarterfinals begin on Friday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the final pair" to clearly indicate the last two entities or items in a sequence, selection, or competition, ensuring clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "the final pair" when referring to the ultimate individual winner after a process of elimination; it's specifically about the last two before the ultimate decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the final pair" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying a particular set of two items or individuals that are last in a sequence or selection. Ludwig examples confirm its role in identifying a concluding duo.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the final pair" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to designate the last two items or entities in a sequence or selection. Predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, this phrase serves to pinpoint the concluding elements of a set, often emphasizing the nearing completion of a selection process. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, making it a versatile choice across various registers. It’s important to use this phrase when referring to exactly two entities and not to mistake its use for the ultimate winner in a competition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the last two

Refers directly to the last two items or entities without emphasizing a competitive or selection context.

the remaining duo

Emphasizes that only two remain, often after a selection or elimination process.

the concluding duo

Focuses on the sense of closure or ending associated with these two.

the ultimate twosome

Highlights the importance or superiority of the final two, implying a culmination.

the last couple

A more informal way to refer to the last two items or individuals.

the finalists

Specifically used in competitive contexts to denote the individuals or teams who have reached the final stage.

the ultimate pairing

Suggests a process or combination that leads to a conclusive pair.

the last set

Suitable when referring to items grouped in a pair or set towards the end of a process.

the terminal pair

A more technical term implying the pair that marks the end of something.

the end dyad

A less common but more academic or technical term for the final two.

FAQs

How can I use "the final pair" in a sentence?

You can use "the final pair" to refer to the last two entities or items in a series, selection or competition. For example, "the final pair of candidates" were interviewed.

What are some alternatives to "the final pair"?

Some alternatives include "the last two", "the remaining duo", or "the finalists", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the final pair"?

Yes, "the final pair" is a grammatically correct and widely accepted phrase. It's used to denote the last two items or individuals in a specific context.

What is the difference between "the final pair" and "the last group"?

"The final pair" refers specifically to two entities, while "the last group" can refer to more than two entities. The choice depends on the number of items or individuals being discussed.