Is a pair or are a pair?
I'll answer
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.20
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.
40more
40more
Oliver Rodriguez
Works at the International Criminal Court, Lives in The Hague, Netherlands.
As a language expert with a deep understanding of English grammar and usage, I can provide you with a detailed explanation on the correct usage of the word "pair" in various contexts.
When we talk about a single set of two items, we use the singular form "pair". This is because "pair" as a noun is used to denote a set of two things that go together. For example, if you have two shoes that are meant to be worn together, you would refer to them as "a pair of shoes". Similarly, if you are discussing two people who are a couple, you would say "a pair of lovers". In these instances, "pair" is singular because it represents a collective unit of two items or people.
However, when you are referring to more than one set of two items, you would use the plural form "pairs". For example, if you have three sets of shoes, you would say "three pairs of shoes". Here, "pairs" is plural because it refers to multiple units of two items each.
Now, let's address the specific question of whether to use "is" or "are" with "a pair". The verb should agree with the subject in both number and person. Since "pair" is a singular noun, even when it refers to two items, the verb that follows should be singular as well. Therefore, the correct sentence structure would be "a pair is" rather than "a pair are".
Here are some examples to illustrate this point:
- A pair is a set of two items that complement each other.
- Each pair is unique in its own way.
- A pair is often used to describe two people or objects that are closely related or matched.
On the other hand, if you are talking about multiple pairs, you would use "are":
- Several pairs are available for purchase.
- The pairs are arranged in a specific order.
It's important to note that while "pair" can be used as a singular noun, it can also be used as a verb meaning to match or to join together. In this case, the verb form would agree with the subject in the usual way, so "pairs" would be followed by "are" if it's the subject:
- The pairs are being matched by the system.
- The pairs are joined together during the ceremony.
In conclusion, when using "pair" as a singular noun to refer to a set of two items, the correct verb to use is "is". When referring to multiple sets of two items, use "pairs" and the verb "are". This distinction is crucial for maintaining grammatical accuracy and clarity in the English language.
When we talk about a single set of two items, we use the singular form "pair". This is because "pair" as a noun is used to denote a set of two things that go together. For example, if you have two shoes that are meant to be worn together, you would refer to them as "a pair of shoes". Similarly, if you are discussing two people who are a couple, you would say "a pair of lovers". In these instances, "pair" is singular because it represents a collective unit of two items or people.
However, when you are referring to more than one set of two items, you would use the plural form "pairs". For example, if you have three sets of shoes, you would say "three pairs of shoes". Here, "pairs" is plural because it refers to multiple units of two items each.
Now, let's address the specific question of whether to use "is" or "are" with "a pair". The verb should agree with the subject in both number and person. Since "pair" is a singular noun, even when it refers to two items, the verb that follows should be singular as well. Therefore, the correct sentence structure would be "a pair is" rather than "a pair are".
Here are some examples to illustrate this point:
- A pair is a set of two items that complement each other.
- Each pair is unique in its own way.
- A pair is often used to describe two people or objects that are closely related or matched.
On the other hand, if you are talking about multiple pairs, you would use "are":
- Several pairs are available for purchase.
- The pairs are arranged in a specific order.
It's important to note that while "pair" can be used as a singular noun, it can also be used as a verb meaning to match or to join together. In this case, the verb form would agree with the subject in the usual way, so "pairs" would be followed by "are" if it's the subject:
- The pairs are being matched by the system.
- The pairs are joined together during the ceremony.
In conclusion, when using "pair" as a singular noun to refer to a set of two items, the correct verb to use is "is". When referring to multiple sets of two items, use "pairs" and the verb "are". This distinction is crucial for maintaining grammatical accuracy and clarity in the English language.
2024-05-13 07:30:56
reply(1)
Helpful(1122)
Helpful
Helpful(2)
Studied at the University of Amsterdam, Lives in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
From a prescriptive point of view, since pair is a singular noun, referring to two things (while pairs is the plural form of that noun), pair was is the correct way to say it: Hence: A pair was...Jun 28, 2011
2023-06-12 22:48:28
Dominic Young
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
From a prescriptive point of view, since pair is a singular noun, referring to two things (while pairs is the plural form of that noun), pair was is the correct way to say it: Hence: A pair was...Jun 28, 2011
