two sets of thumbs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "two sets of thumbs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the presence of two pairs of thumbs, often in a context discussing dexterity or assistance. Example: "In a collaborative project, having two sets of thumbs can make the work much easier and faster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Another had two sets of thumbs.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Drill two sets of holes.

WikiHow

Prepare two sets of cards.

WikiHow

Do two sets of these.

WikiHow

(index and thumb is easiest) Let's call the side you just folded the 'top side' and the side with the two sets of corners folded to the middle the 'bottom side'.

WikiHow

Three sets of voters have given the thumbs down to the Obama administration's first year.

The Guardian - Opinion

Five sets of tees.

Forbes

Determine three sets of coordinates.

WikiHow

I can go through one of these in just two sets, because I use my thumb so much.

The New Yorker

Two rule-of-thumb travelers' tips: Bring extra socks.

Forbes

Then again, those dual zones aren't digitally controlled, but rather, you get a set of thumb wheels on the dash, one for each passenger, that roll from cold to hot.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character or creature with unusual anatomy, use "two sets of thumbs" to clearly convey the presence of multiple thumbs on one or both hands. This can imply enhanced dexterity or a unique physical trait.

Common error

Avoid using "two sets of thumbs" when you mean to describe a sequence of thumb actions. The phrase refers to the physical presence of multiple thumbs, not actions performed by thumbs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "two sets of thumbs" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a descriptor of a physical characteristic. It precisely identifies the presence of multiple thumbs, often in contexts where physical attributes are significant, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "two sets of thumbs" is a grammatically correct, though rare, noun phrase used to describe the presence of multiple thumbs, often highlighting a unique physical trait. According to Ludwig, this phrase appears in neutral to scientific contexts, including news media, wikis, and scientific literature. Ludwig examples shows, its primary function is descriptive, conveying specific anatomical details that might imply enhanced dexterity or an unusual characteristic. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure the context clarifies that it refers to a physical attribute and not a sequence of actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two pairs of thumbs

More explicit about having two distinct sets.

extra thumbs

Focuses on the quantity of thumbs being more than usual.

multiple thumbs

Emphasizes the presence of more than one thumb per hand.

duplicate thumbs

Highlights the repetition or mirroring of thumb structures.

additional thumbs

Indicates the presence of thumbs beyond the standard number.

supernumerary thumbs

A more formal or scientific term for extra thumbs.

double the thumbs

Emphasizes a doubling of the standard number of thumbs.

enhanced dexterity

Shifts the focus to the increased skill potentially resulting from extra thumbs.

increased manipulation ability

Highlights the improved capability for handling objects.

unusually dextrous

Shifts focus to the skill, implying a possible reason like extra thumbs.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with more than the usual number of thumbs?

You can use phrases like "extra thumbs", "multiple thumbs", or, more specifically, "two sets of thumbs" if they have a distinct pair on each hand.

Is "two sets of thumbs" a common expression?

No, "two sets of thumbs" is not a common expression. It is more descriptive and literal, used when the specific detail of having multiple, distinct sets of thumbs is important.

What does it imply when someone has "two sets of thumbs"?

It typically implies an unusual physical characteristic, possibly suggesting enhanced dexterity or a unique evolutionary trait. The context usually involves describing fictional characters or rare genetic conditions.

When is it appropriate to use "two sets of thumbs" instead of "extra thumbs"?

Use "two sets of thumbs" when you want to emphasize that the individual has a complete and distinct pair of thumbs on each hand or in a specific area, rather than just one or more extra thumbs. "Extra thumbs" is a more general term.