A pair of

Definition

The phrase 'a pair of' refers to two items that are considered together, often used with plural nouns to indicate a set or duo. This expression highlights the collective nature of two things, but it can also create complexity in agreement when it comes to subject-verb and noun-pronoun relationships in a sentence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'A pair of' is followed by a plural noun, but the verb that follows the phrase may be singular or plural depending on the context.
2. When using 'a pair of,' the subject is treated as singular if referring to the pair as a single unit, affecting verb choice.
3. In sentences like 'A pair of shoes is on sale,' 'shoes' is plural but the subject 'pair' is singular, leading to the use of 'is.'
4. 'A pair of' can cause confusion in pronoun reference, requiring careful attention to ensure agreement with the noun following it.
5. The use of 'a pair of' can reflect differences in regional grammar usage, with some preferring strict adherence to singular agreement regardless of context.

Review Questions

• How does the phrase 'a pair of' affect subject-verb agreement in sentences?
  • 'A pair of' impacts subject-verb agreement by treating the noun 'pair' as singular, despite being followed by a plural noun. For instance, in the sentence 'A pair of gloves is on the table,' 'gloves' is plural but the verb 'is' agrees with 'pair.' This illustrates how the meaning conveyed by 'a pair of' can dictate verb choice and influence sentence structure.
• Discuss how 'a pair of' can lead to pronoun reference issues in sentences.
  • 'A pair of' can create pronoun reference challenges because it requires clarity about which noun the pronoun is referring to. For example, in a sentence like 'A pair of shoes was left behind; they were forgotten,' it might be unclear whether 'they' refers to the 'pair' or to the individual shoes. This ambiguity necessitates careful consideration of pronoun usage to ensure clear communication and proper agreement.
• Evaluate the implications of regional grammar differences on the use of 'a pair of' in subject-verb agreement.
  • Regional grammar differences can significantly impact how 'a pair of' is used in subject-verb agreement. In some areas, speakers may strictly adhere to treating 'pair' as singular, leading to sentences like 'A pair of scissors is sharp.' In contrast, others might emphasize plurality, resulting in constructions such as 'A pair of scissors are on the table.' These variations not only highlight individual and cultural preferences in language use but also reflect broader trends in how English evolves across different regions.

Related terms

Collective Noun: A word that represents a group of individuals or things, often treated as singular despite referring to multiple items.

Subject-Verb Agreement: The grammatical rule that the verb must agree in number with its subject, which can be complicated by phrases like 'a pair of'.

Plural Noun: A noun that indicates more than one person, place, thing, or idea, typically formed by adding -s or -es.