pair, pairs

pair, pairs
As a noun, pair can be followed by a singular or a plural verb, but the singular is always used when pair emphasizes unity or oneness: "This pair of shoes is black." A plural verb may be used when the members of a pair are treated as individuals: "The pair are running rapidly now." After any numeral other than one, say pairs, not pair: "Sue bought three pairs of stockings." Do not say "a pair of twins" unless you are referring to four people.

Dictionary of problem words and expressions. . 1975.

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  • pairs — See pair, pairs …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

  • pair — See pair, pairs …   Dictionary of problem words and expressions

  • pair — pair, aire (pêr, pê r ) adj. 1°   Égal, semblable, pareil ; ne se dit plus, en ce sens, que dans la locution : sans pair. •   Elles [deux chèvres] avaient la gloire De compter dans leur race, à ce que dit l histoire, L une certaine chèvre au… …   Dictionnaire de la Langue Française d'Émile Littré

  • Pair programming — is an agile software development technique in which two programmers work together at one workstation. One, the driver, types in code while the other, the observer (or navigator[1]), reviews each line of code as it is typed in. The two programmers …   Wikipedia

  • Pairs Royal — Pair Pair (p[^a]r), n. [F. paire, LL. paria, L. paria, pl. of par pair, fr. par, adj., equal. Cf. {Apparel}, {Par} equality, {Peer} an equal.] [1913 Webster] 1. A number of things resembling one another, or belonging together; a set; as, a pair… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Pair skating — is a figure skating discipline. International Skating Union (ISU) regulations describe pair teams as consisting of one lady and one man. The teams perform both singles elements in unison and elements such as acrobatic lifts that are unique to… …   Wikipedia

  • Pair — (p[^a]r), n. [F. paire, LL. paria, L. paria, pl. of par pair, fr. par, adj., equal. Cf. {Apparel}, {Par} equality, {Peer} an equal.] [1913 Webster] 1. A number of things resembling one another, or belonging together; a set; as, a pair or flight… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Pair royal — Pair Pair (p[^a]r), n. [F. paire, LL. paria, L. paria, pl. of par pair, fr. par, adj., equal. Cf. {Apparel}, {Par} equality, {Peer} an equal.] [1913 Webster] 1. A number of things resembling one another, or belonging together; a set; as, a pair… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • pair — Pair, m. et n. C est en general égal, semblable, equipollent, Par. Pareil, et en pluriel Pairs, sont les vassaux d un seigneur, qui sont tenus assister à leur seance en Cour, et à leurs plaids, lesquels ne sont en tous pais d une sorte Pares. Du… …   Thresor de la langue françoyse

  • pair — [per] n. pl. pairs or pair [ME paire < OFr < L paria, neut. pl. of par, equal: see PAR1] 1. two similar or corresponding things joined, associated, or used together [a pair of gloves] 2. a single thing made up of two corresponding parts… …   English World dictionary

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