the two sisters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the two sisters" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific pair of sisters in a context where their relationship is relevant. Example: "The two sisters decided to open a bakery together after years of dreaming about it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The two sisters looked at each other.

The New Yorker

The two sisters enjoy their visit together.

The New Yorker

The two sisters can be quite different.

Independent

The two sisters stood their ground.

The New York Times

The two sisters lived in a left bank hotel.

The New Yorker

Writer tells about the contrasts between the two sisters.

The New Yorker

We asked the two sisters why they came.

The New York Times

The two sisters have no other close relatives.

The New York Times

Throughout, the two sisters' lives overlap like a Venn diagram.

The New York Times - Books

The two sisters were the wives of Imperials.

The New York Times

The two sisters aren't close and haven't had much contact.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "the two sisters", ensure the context makes it clear who the sisters are. Provide names or descriptions for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "the two sisters" without prior introduction or context, as it can leave the reader wondering who you are referring to. Ensure that the sisters have been previously identified or are easily identifiable from the surrounding text.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the two sisters" functions primarily as a noun phrase, specifically a determiner phrase, identifying a specific group of female siblings. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various narrative and descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

13%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the two sisters" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase to refer to a specific pair of female siblings. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it is suitable for diverse contexts, primarily appearing in news and media, wiki entries and encyclopedias. It's crucial to provide context or prior introduction to avoid ambiguity. The phrase holds a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communications. Remember to ensure that when using "the two sisters", the identity of the sisters is clear to your audience. While similar phrases such as "the pair of sisters" or "both sisters" exist, using "the two sisters" maintains a clear and direct reference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the pair of sisters

Replaces "two" with "pair", emphasizing the duality of the relationship.

both sisters

Focuses on the sisters as a unit, highlighting their shared characteristic or action.

the siblings

Uses a more general term, "siblings", to refer to the sisters, applicable if their gender is not relevant.

the elder and younger sister

Specifies the age relationship between the sisters, adding a detail about their relative ages.

the sisters in question

Highlights that these particular sisters are under discussion or consideration.

the aforementioned sisters

Refers back to sisters previously mentioned, useful for maintaining clarity in writing.

the two female siblings

Adds redundancy by specifying "female", emphasizing the gender of the siblings.

these two sisters

Emphasizes the demonstrative aspect, pointing out the specific sisters being referred to.

the sister duo

Uses "duo" to highlight their partnership or collaborative relationship as sisters.

the girls

Simplifies the reference to "girls", suitable in contexts where their age or immaturity is relevant.

FAQs

How do I use "the two sisters" in a sentence?

Use "the two sisters" to refer to a specific pair of female siblings in a context where their relationship is relevant. For example, "The two sisters decided to open a bakery together."

What are some alternatives to "the two sisters"?

You can use alternatives like "the pair of sisters", "both sisters", or "the siblings depending on the context".

Is it necessary to introduce the sisters before using the phrase "the two sisters"?

Yes, for clarity, it's best to introduce or provide context about who "the two sisters" are before using the phrase. This avoids confusion for the reader.

Can I use "the two sisters" even if I later refer to them individually?

Yes, you can use "the two sisters" as a collective term and then later discuss each sister separately, providing more details about each of them.