Is the phrase 'one pair of' considered a singular noun or a plural noun?

Question

Which is correct, "One pair of eagles build a nest." or, "One pair of eagles builds a nest."?

Duplicate with good discussion of “Pair was or pair were – Tuffy Mar 21 '18 at 21:53 — Tuffy, Mar 21 '18 at 21:53

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Mar 21 '18 at 21:58

1

A pair of eagles are two eagles. --> they build a nest
A pair of scissors is one tool. --> it cuts paper

answered Mar 21 '18 at 21:58

m_a_s

A pair of eagles is two eagles, but 'The bald eagle has been recently downlisted to threatened status. ...... In fact only one pair was recorded observed all summer and fall.' was the choice in the Arrowwood ... Wildlife ... Report of 1994. – Edwin Ashworth Mar 21 '18 at 22:37
Perhaps this differs between US and UK? See https://english.stackexchange.com/q/391871/9368 – GEdgar Mar 22 '18 at 00:44

ctrl-alt-delor · Answer 2 · 2018-05-14T10:44:41.243

-1

The 2nd and 3rd form have similar meanings, but the 2nd one is not quite right.

An example of builds, used properly. “Eagle pairs normally build their nest on a Tuesday, but this pair builds on a Wednesday”

edited May 14 '18 at 10:44

answered Mar 22 '18 at 00:36

ctrl-alt-delor

1

“A pair of eagles build a nest.” — Past tense ... ??? I think Mr ctl-alt-delor's answer should be control-alt-deleted. – GEdgar Mar 22 '18 at 00:41

2 Answers2