twosome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "twosome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a pair of people or things, often in a romantic or social context. Example: "The twosome enjoyed a lovely dinner together at their favorite restaurant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The gruesome twosome are the marketing phenomenon of the age, with everyone from bookies to rubbish-collection companies to political parties capitalising on John and Edward's new-found notoriety.

Independent

Still, it's tempting to think Walsh recognised in the terrible twosome a kindred spirit.

Independent

Sam Gainsbury & Anna Whiting Producers Since establishing Gainsbury & Whiting |in 2000, this indomitable twosome have pushed |the boundaries of how fashion is viewed.

Independent

The twosome, who usually front ITV's I'm A Celebrity… are seen as a safe pair hands being no strangers to live television.

Independent

The look is part swimming-pool, part-mausoleum, part-night-club: an unforgiving setting for the tender twosome to fall in love, but a great place for Frances Bourne's saucy Stéphano to spray graffiti.

Independent

No two tables are alike: perch on stools at a long raised bar, sink into animal furs in a convivial circle, pick a romantic twosome by the window.

Independent

So, why, then did the twosome name themselves thus?

Independent

Before that - Ayres' wired, electrifying presence aside - it is rather underpowered with some unnecessary supporting roles distracting from the compelling central twosome.

Independent

And Jordan Spieth became the youngest player ever to make the final twosome at the Masters, with a chance to be its youngest champion.

The New Yorker

Overheard at Stouffer's Fifty-seventh Street restaurant, one of a flowery-dressed twosome to waitress: "I'll have a bourbon-on-the-rocks, and my friend, the Duchess, will have Southern Comfort and 7-Up".

The New Yorker

They are the last twosome — No. 1 and No. 2 halfway through the championship — but Calcavecchia will disintegrate today, taking nine strokes on the fifth and finishing in 77.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "twosome" when referring to a pair of people engaged in an activity or relationship, especially when emphasizing their togetherness or partnership. For example, "The golfing twosome teed off early."

Common error

While "twosome" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "pair" or "duo" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "twosome" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a group of two people. It can also be used as an adjective, as in "a twosome dance." As Ludwig indicates, this is a valid and usable term in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "twosome" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term, as confirmed by Ludwig, generally functioning as a noun to describe a pair of people engaged in an activity or relationship. While adaptable across various contexts, it finds prominent usage in news and media. When writing, ensure its usage aligns with the intended level of formality, opting for alternatives like "pair" or "duo" in more formal settings. The term's versatility is highlighted by its application to different pair engagements, showcasing its broad descriptive utility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pair

A general term for two items or individuals, lacking the specific social or romantic implication of "twosome".

couple

Specifically refers to two people in a romantic relationship, while "twosome" can be more general.

duo

Implies a performing or working partnership, less personal than "twosome".

dyad

A more formal or technical term for a pair, often used in sociological or scientific contexts.

brace

Often used for animals or things; less common for people than "twosome".

team of two

Emphasizes collaboration or working together; "twosome" is more neutral.

matched set

Primarily refers to objects that are designed to be used together, differing from the human connection often implied by "twosome".

double act

Refers specifically to a pair that performs together, usually in comedy or entertainment.

two individuals

A neutral and descriptive alternative, lacking the nuance of established connection found in "twosome".

set of two

A more generic term for any grouping of two items or people; lacks the specific association of "twosome".

FAQs

How can I use "twosome" in a sentence?

You can use "twosome" to refer to a pair of people together, such as "The "romantic twosome" enjoyed a quiet evening" or "The "golfing twosome" headed to the first tee".

What is a good substitute for the word "twosome"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "pair", "couple", or "duo". The best choice depends on whether you are referring to a romantic relationship, a working partnership, or simply a set of two.

Is it correct to use "twosome" to describe two objects?

While "twosome" primarily refers to people, it can be used to describe two objects that are related or paired, though it is less common. Consider using "pair" or "set of two" for greater clarity.

What's the difference between "twosome" and "couple"?

"Couple" typically implies a romantic or intimate relationship, while "twosome" is more general and can refer to any group of two people, regardless of their relationship. For example, two friends can be a "twosome", but are not necessarily a "couple".