two twins

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "two twins" is not correct and is redundant in written English.
You can use it when referring to a pair of twins, but it is unnecessary to specify "two" since the term "twins" already implies a pair. Example: "The two twins in the class always dress alike and share the same interests."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Two twins.

The Guardian

Examples are "famous celebrities" and "two twins".

The New York Times

Two more queens and two twins".

The New Yorker

"J. and I are two twins of history; coloured girls.

The New Yorker

Just two Twins batters reached base against Wakefield (6-4) theough the first five innings.

The New York Times - Sports

Therefore the physical experiences of the two twins are not the same.

The Guardian

The property mixes exposed beams, stonework and tiled floors and sleeps eight in four bedrooms (two doubles, two twins).

The Guardian - Travel

There are six bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and sea views: three doubles, two twins and one triple.

The Guardian - Travel

Standard rooms, with a double or two twins and one bath, are $110 each; the single supplement is $55.

The New York Times - Travel

A raised passage leads to three bedrooms; two twins with marble shower rooms overlook a cloistered garden.

The Guardian - Travel

The power of the Minkowski representation is illustrated by its manner in dealing with the so-called clock paradox, which deals with two twins, Peter and Paul.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Omit "two" when referring to twins. The term "twins" already indicates a pair, making "two twins" redundant. For clarity, use "a pair of twins" or simply "the twins".

Common error

Avoid using "two twins" in formal writing. Opt for concise alternatives like "a pair of twins" or just "twins" to maintain clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "two twins" is as a noun phrase. However, Ludwig AI suggests that it is a redundant phrase because "twins" already indicates a pair. Its presence is to describe a set of siblings born at the same time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "two twins" is a frequently used but grammatically redundant expression. Ludwig AI indicates that the word "twins" inherently means a pair, making the addition of "two" unnecessary. While common across various contexts, from news to science, it's generally advised to use just "twins" or "a pair of twins" for better clarity and precision, especially in formal writing. Ludwig's analysis also shows it appears in neutral to informal settings more often than in professional or academic contexts. Avoiding redundancy will improve the quality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the twins

Removes "two" assuming the context makes it clear that you are speaking about a pair of twins.

a pair of twins

Replaces "two" with "a pair of", emphasizing the group rather than the number.

twin siblings

Uses "siblings" to clarify the familial relationship.

the twin duo

Employs "duo" to highlight the pair's unity as a unit.

a set of twins

Uses "set" to specify that the twins belong to a group or collection.

the two identical twins

Adds "identical" to explicitly state that the twins have the same DNA.

the twins in question

Specifies which twins you are referring to

the aforementioned twins

Used to highlight that we are talking about twins we have already discussed

the same twins

Highlight the fact that we are talking about those twins, for example, two consecutive times

the conjoined twins

Specifies a rarer condition in which twins are physically connected at birth

FAQs

Is it grammatically correct to say "two twins"?

While commonly used, saying "two twins" is considered redundant. The word "twins" inherently refers to a pair. Therefore, using just "twins" is generally preferred.

What's a better way to say "two twins"?

Instead of "two twins", you can say "a pair of twins" for emphasis, or simply "twins" for brevity.

When is it acceptable to use "two twins"?

Although redundant, "two twins" might be used in informal speech or writing where emphasis is desired. However, in formal contexts, it's best to stick with "twins" or "a pair of twins".

Is there a difference between "twins" and "a pair of twins"?

The term "twins" implies a pair of twins. Using "a pair of twins" can add emphasis, but the meaning remains essentially the same. The most concise way is just to use "twins".