- pair - couple
- ◊ 'a pair of'A pair of things are two things of the same size and shape that are used together, such as shoes.
...a pair of new gloves.
\He bought a pair of hiking boots.
When you use a pair of like this, you can use either a singular or a plural form of a verb with it.It is likely that a new pair of shoes brings more happiness to a child than a new car brings to a grown man.
\He put on a pair of brown shoes which were waiting there for him.
You also use a pair of when you are referring to something which has two main parts of the same size and shape, such as trousers, glasses, or scissors.She put on a pair of glasses.
\There would be a razor in the bathroom or a pair of scissors.
When you use a pair of like this, you use a singular form of a verb with it.On a hook behind the door was an old pair of grey trousers.
\A large pair of tongs sends voltage through metal cups.
◊ 'a couple of'A couple of people or things are two people or things.They've been helped by a couple of newspaper reporters.
\We'd had a couple of dances.
You use a plural form of a verb with a couple of.There were a couple of tables littered with saucepans.
\On the hallstand were a couple of periodicals.
Note that you do not use a couple of in formal writing.\◊ referring to two people as a 'pair'Two people who do something together or are involved in a relationship together can be referred to as a pair. This is a slightly humorous use.They'd always been a devoted pair.
\They were a somewhat sinister pair.
When pair is used like this, you use a plural form of a verb with it.\The pair were wanted for the theft of certain jewellery.
◊ referring to two people as a 'couple'You refer to two people as a couple when they have an intimate relationship such as that of husband and wife or boyfriend and girlfriend.In Venice we met a South African couple.
\This would raise pensions for married couples considerably.
You usually use a plural form of a verb with couple.\Behind me a couple were pushing a pram.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.
