pairs
pairs — noun
- pairssingular
- pairsesplural
1. Two matching items that work together as a set — for example, shoes, gloves, or
Two matching items that work together as a set — for example, shoes, gloves, or earrings — or an object built from two connected halves, such as scissors or trousers.
Mateo bought a new pair of running shoes for his morning jog.
a pair of + plural noun for matching items
The old pair of scissors in the kitchen drawer no longer cuts well.
pair of + object with two connected parts
Dewi packed three pairs of socks for the weekend camping trip.
Each pair of gold earrings came in a small velvet box tied with a ribbon.
Hari needs a clean pair of trousers for the interview tomorrow.
- couple
less formal, can refer to any two items loosely grouped together
- set
broader — can mean more than two items
- matching set
emphasizes that the items are designed to go together
- single
one individual item rather than two together
文法句型
a pair of + plural noun
用法筆記
When 'pair' refers to a single object made of two joined parts (scissors, trousers, glasses), it takes a singular verb: 'This pair of scissors IS on the table.'
常見錯誤
2. Two people who are connected by a romantic relationship, a shared activity, or w
Two people who are connected by a romantic relationship, a shared activity, or working together as a team — such as lovers, dance partners, or business colleagues.
The pair of dancers moved across the stage in perfect harmony.
pair of + plural noun (people performing together)
Megan and her partner make a strong pair in the tennis tournament.
That pair of elderly sisters has lived next door for over forty years.
Adisa and Eliska are an interesting pair — they met at a local book club.
- couple
more common for romantic relationships
- duo
often used for performers or creative partners
- team
focuses on collaboration toward a shared goal
- partnership
emphasizes a formal or professional relationship
- individual
a single person rather than two together
文法句型
a pair of + plural noun (people)
用法筆記
This sense can describe both romantic couples and non-romantic partnerships. To be specific about romance, use 'couple' instead.
常見錯誤
3. Two animals that have come together to produce babies, or that are seen as a uni
Two animals that have come together to produce babies, or that are seen as a unit for breeding purposes.
A pair of swans built their nest near the edge of the lake.
pair of + mating birds
The zoo introduced a new male to the breeding pair of pandas.
breeding pair — fixed collocation
Swans form a pair for life and raise their chicks together on the lake.
Karim photographed a breeding pair of kingfishers as they returned to their burrow.
- mated pair
more technical, used in biology and conservation contexts
- breeding pair
emphasizes reproductive function
文法句型
a pair of + animal noun
用法筆記
Common in nature documentaries and biology writing. 'Breeding pair' is a standard collocation used by zoologists and conservationists.
4. In cricket, a disappointing result when a batsman scores zero runs in both of th
In cricket, a disappointing result when a batsman scores zero runs in both of their two turns at batting during a match.
The batsman was out for a pair — zero runs in both at-bats — in his first test match.
out for a pair — cricket collocation
Darius scored a pair in the county cricket final, getting out for zero runs both times.
Noa studied the bowler carefully, determined not to score a pair — zero runs in both rounds of batting.
Putri's teammates cheered her up after she scored a pair — zero runs in both turns at bat.
文法句型
score a pair
out for a pair
用法筆記
Almost exclusively used in British English cricket commentary. The phrase 'king pair' means being out for zero on the first ball of each innings.
5. A hand in card games — especially poker — that holds two matching cards by numbe
A hand in card games — especially poker — that holds two matching cards by number or face value, such as two kings or two sevens.
Lan won the round with a pair of kings and a high card.
a pair of + card rank
Eli's pair of aces gave him the confidence to raise the bet.
A pair of queens is a strong starting hand in Texas Hold'em.
With only a pair of threes, Lakshmi decided to fold rather than risk her chips.
- two of a kind
an alternative term for the same hand in poker
- pocket pair
a pair formed by the two hole cards dealt to a player
文法句型
a pair of + card rank
用法筆記
In poker rankings, a pair beats a high card but loses to two pairs, three of a kind, or any higher hand. 'Pair' is always followed by the card's rank name.
pairs — verb
- pairspresent simple I / you / we / they
- pairses3rd person singular
- pairsing-ing form
- pairsedpast simple
1. To match two people or things into a unit or partnership — for example, assignin
To match two people or things into a unit or partnership — for example, assigning teammates, combining ingredients, or linking devices.
The teacher asked the students to pair up for the science project.
phrasal: pair up — form teams of two
Ada paired the red wine with a soft cheese for the dinner party.
pair + object + with + object (combine items)
The designer paired a linen jacket with dark cotton trousers.
After the warm-up, the dancers paired off to practise their routines.
In the exercise, each beginner is paired with an experienced mentor.
文法句型
pair + object + with + object
pair up
pair off
用法筆記
Common phrasal verbs include 'pair up' (form teams), 'pair off' (split into twos), and 'pair with' (combine or match). The passive form 'be paired with' is frequently used in workplace and educational contexts.
常見錯誤
2. To connect two electronic devices — such as a phone and headphones, or a compute
To connect two electronic devices — such as a phone and headphones, or a computer and a keyboard — using Bluetooth wireless technology, so that they can communicate with each other.
James paired his phone with the car's audio system before driving off.
pair + device + with + device
These wireless headphones can pair with two devices at the same time.
pair with + device — intransitive
Mauricio tried to pair his smartwatch with the new tablet, but the connection failed.
Dahlia paired her wireless keyboard with the tablet so she could type notes more easily.
- unpair
the opposite action — disconnecting a paired device
- disconnect
general term for breaking a connection
文法句型
pair + device + with + device
pair to + device
用法筆記
In technology manuals, 'pair' is the standard verb for Bluetooth connections. The setup process is called 'pairing mode'. Unlike general 'pair with', the technology sense usually implies a wireless, short-range connection.