Does a pair always means '2 of something' or can it be used more generically to indicate 'a few of something'? What is the exact amount indicated by 'a pair'?
Is there a different meaning whether a pair is used in formal or in informal language?
Asked
Active
Viewed 75 times
1
-
1That is a not a full question. Kindly post a full question. You might want to visit the HELP section to see what questions to avoid. – Lambie Mar 21 '22 at 20:44
-
4A special case is when one "unit" consists of two similar parts: a pair of glasses, scissors, shoes, gloves, dice, etc. – DjinTonic Mar 21 '22 at 20:44
-
@DjinTonic Oddly enough, I have never heard "Give me a pair of pants" – James A Mohler Mar 21 '22 at 20:50
-
Two pants. Here is my take. English tends to use fewer words if possible. Having a pair pants vs pants, just seems unnecessarily verbose. I could understand if there were regional differences though. – James A Mohler Mar 21 '22 at 20:56
-
2Removed comment for James: Wouldn't you say "I bought two pairs of pants" rather than "... two pants"? – DjinTonic Mar 21 '22 at 20:57
-
1It is idiomatic, depending on geography. Asking for the "exact meaning" without providing minimum research is off-topic. – Cascabel_StandWithUkraine_ Mar 21 '22 at 21:10
-
@DjinTonic How is a pair of dice an example of your special case? How are they not just two dice? – Rosie F Mar 21 '22 at 21:16
-
@RosieF You are correct--my goof. – DjinTonic Mar 21 '22 at 21:34
-
1Related: What does “a couple” mean to you, and what does “a few” mean to you? – Laurel Mar 22 '22 at 00:56
-
(A) coupla will get the paucal meaning 'a few' across. (A) pair of either refers to items that are bifurcated, like pants or binoculars, or items that are purchased and used in pairs, like shoes or earpods. – John Lawler Mar 23 '22 at 18:20
-
As usual, Mari-Lou A was ahead of me. See her answer. – John Lawler Mar 23 '22 at 18:23
1 Answers
3
The OP is asking whether "a pair" can signify more than two things. Generally speaking it cannot but there will always be the odd exception; however, for now none come to mind.
The term couple is less fixed:
I'd like a couple of oranges, please.
This can suggest any number of oranges between two and four.
But a pair (of) will nearly always be two of something that are parallel to each other. They will look identical to each other and will be used together.
- A pair of scissors/ glasses/ gloves/ socks/ shoes and so on.
Mari-Lou A
- 91,183
-
However, a pair of parakeets or a pair of (matching) vases signifies two items, whereas a pair of glasses, etc. signifies one item. – DjinTonic Mar 21 '22 at 21:02
-
And what about a pair of shoes? It doesn't mean one shoe. "They make a nice pair" can be said of two people in love too. – Mari-Lou A Mar 21 '22 at 21:03
-
Correct. However, I think there is a difference. You need to say "two (pairs of) scissors" to get two. – DjinTonic Mar 21 '22 at 21:05
-
1