Greetings again, all of you grammar lovers and I hope you're all doing well.
Today, I have decided to tackle another one of those very common errors we constantly hear that, I must admit, is going through some transition today. As I've said many times before, our language continues to change and certain expressions we hear many times today may have been considered terrible mistakes fifty years ago, for example. For this reason, Webster's now includes words in our dictionaries that are becoming semi-acceptable, and this is so because they are used so often. However, this doesn't mean that we should include these expressions in our own speech. After all, there are plenty of folks besides English teachers who cringe at the use of some of these bloopers.
One such error that is slowly creeping into the common use file today is the misuse of PAIR and PAIRS. Now we all know that A PAIR of something generally means ONE of a group of items:
ONE PAIR of shoes means exactly what it says.
ONE PAIR of shoes sit under the bed...meaning there are two different shoes under the bed--one for the right foot and one for the left foot...but together they are called ...A PAIR or one group.
However, if you were to say...
FIVE PAIR of shoes sit under the bed...you would be implying that there are ten different shoes under the bed, but you're not saying it correctly. Here, you should say...
FIVE PAIRS of shoes sit under the bed...an S is needed on PAIR to make it plural!
Remember how Webster's defines PAIR: two corresponding things designed for use together as one thing.
All you need to remember is to use the plural (PAIRS) when there are more than one groups of items, things, etc. Pretty easy, huh?
Advertisers in newspapers and on television quite frequently use these two words incorrectly. Watch out for ads that say something such as...
THREE PAIR OF PAJAMAS ON SALE FOR $ 19.99...or...
TWO PAIR OF PANTS FOR $14.95...0r...
FOUR PAIR OF GLOVES TODAY FOR $9.99.
Groan...Where have these writers been all their lives? All three of these sentences are incorrect because each pair refers to more than one group of items! Just place the S on the end of PAIR and you'll be correct.
Well, all right! What a simple rule to learn! Just remember that an S on a noun means it is plural and that's what you mean when you say...
I bought three PAIRS of overalls to wear when I work in the fields...AHHHH...such music to my ears!
Have a great week doing what you enjoy most. Peace and happiness, GG
The power of the internet...I googled this exact question and here it is! Thanks for clearing it up for me. And for the record, I was correct when taking about PAIRS of pajamas.
ReplyDeleteIf one is referring to hunting dogs, the plural of pair is pair. One has 12 pair of hounds, not 12 pairs.
DeleteIf one is referring to hunting dogs, the plural of pair is pair. One has 12 pair of hounds, not 12 pairs.
DeleteYer from Kentucky ain'tchya?
DeleteVery funny. 😂
DeleteTwo dozens of eggs is wrong but two pairs of shoes is right?
DeleteTwo dozen eggs, two pair of shoes ; but did you buy eggs? Yes I brought two dozens. Did you buy shoes? Yes I bought two pairs
DeleteThis helped me too. Like "anonymous," I was right and other people were wrong. It was nice to confirm it so easily.
ReplyDeleteNice to see that there are others out there who (that? Who!) are just as anal as I.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of being anal, I seem to recall being taught that . . . animate objects "sit" & inanimate objects "set".
That said, those shoes under the bed? They're setting there & not sitting there.
jes sayin'
;)~
experiment idioms liaising leveraging creek esbname enabled integrity benefiting blockbuster signatures
ReplyDeletemasimundus semikonecolori
Correction: "Nice to see that there are others out there who are just as anal as me [not I]."
ReplyDeleteNope. "I" is correct. Put the word "am" after it and you can tell which is correct.
DeleteGood dispatch and this fill someone in on helped me alot in my college assignement. Gratefulness you for your information.
ReplyDeleteAs an ESL teacher, this makes perfect logical sense. However, I am curious if there is a grammar rule that allows for no plural use when putting pair at the end of the sentence? (Example: We paid the regular price for two pair.)
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I knew I was right! An advisor I spoke with today tried to tell me I was incorrect.
ReplyDeleteTo one of the previous anonymous posters, 'a lot' is two words. =-]
My high school English teacher always said, "a lot is a piece of land. "
DeleteIn both cases, "a" is an indefinite article before a noun. The noun "lot" sure mean "high number of items" as well as a plot of land. "A" should be separate in both cases.
DeleteCorrectly your article helped me very much in my college assignment. Hats incorrect to you dispatch, will look progressive for more interdependent articles without delay as its one of my choice subject-matter to read.
ReplyDeleteSorry for my bad english. Thank you so much for your good post. Your post helped me in my college assignment, If you can provide me more details please email me.
ReplyDeleteThe Correction: "Nice to see that there are others out there who are just as anal as me [not I]," is incorrect. They are just as anal as I [am], not as me [is].
ReplyDeleteHowever, objects sit there, and objects are set there. It doesn't matter if they are animate or inanimate.
Thank you for the tips. It really helped me. Specially 'cause I'm teaching English lessons to my son, 'cause his teacher prefers to visit Viagra Online almost every day and he missed to class.
ReplyDeleteGeneric Viagra Buy Viagra
Could you consider addressing anyways vs. anyway? Do you add the 's'?
ReplyDeleteDon't use the S ever. It's crappy English.
DeleteIf we are writing about shoes under the bed, we should write, 'One pair of shoes sits under the bed.' 'One pair' is singular and requires the singular verb, SITS.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that, too.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI love this blog. I'm a grammar fanatic, but, every so often need some help! Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteaccording to webster dictionary, the plural of pair is PAIR OR PAIRS. So it's both.
ReplyDeleteWEBSTER shows plural of pair is pair or pairs. So both is OK
ReplyDeleteIf Webster's defines PAIR as two corresponding things designed for use together as one thing -- as in a right and left shoe (two items) --- each 'set' a 'pair' -- how does a 'pair' of overalls or a 'pair' of pants qualify - one item in my book ---interesting; you can lose 'one' shoe or 'one' glove from each 'pair' but if you lose a 'pair' of pants -- oops --alll gone :-)
ReplyDeleteCorrection: "Nice to see that there are others out there who are just as anal as me [not I]."
ReplyDeleteI'm two years late to the party here, but the original poster was correct in saying "I," and the italicized quote that I've copied and pasted above is incorrect. When you're comparing and use "as" or "than," the majority of the time (there can be exceptions) you use "I," as in "I am." The verb -- in this case, "am" -- can be implied.
As for the actual blog post itself, I'm curious about the origin -- and veracity -- of the oft-used poker phrase, "2 pair." Further elaboration would be helpful.
As a collective noun, the pair of shoes sits (not sit) under the bed.
ReplyDeleteSorry to be late to this party.
is a pair of socks (gloves, shoes etc.) a one item or two items . kindly reply for scissors , pants etc. also
ReplyDeleteALL RIGHTY THEN!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteyou are flat-out WRONG. "pair" is an accepted alternate with a long history. a person who says "5 pair of shoes" is not doing it out of ignorance but out of literary influence. read the classics. plural "pair" was once as common as plural "sheep" or "fish".
ReplyDeletesheeps
DeleteMany mistakes are popular or common. This does not requested to correctness. What matters in language is clarity of message.
DeleteJust a minor correction. One should say "One pair of shoes sits under the bed." This is because the word pair is singular. "Two pairs of shoes sit under the bed, but one pair is (not are) missing."
ReplyDeleteThanks for this information so important to recommend
ReplyDeleteJust another wrench... in cards it is 'two pair' rather than 'two pairs'...
ReplyDeleteJust a minor correction. One should say "One pair of shoes sits under the bed." This is because the word pair is singular. "Two pairs of shoes sit under the bed, but one pair is (not are) missing."
ReplyDeletebuy xanax online forum 1mg of xanax too much - http://www.xanax-effects.com
ReplyDeleteviagra online best generic viagra online reviews - where to buy viagra in kl
ReplyDeleteviagra online without prescription purchase viagra in us - order viagra online forum
ReplyDeletebuy soma buy soma usa - somo 650 user manual
ReplyDeletebuy soma online no prescription soma muscle wiki - somatoform disorder
ReplyDeletebuy soma soma san diego interpol - generic soma 250mg
ReplyDeletebuy soma online discount soma bras - soma edo
ReplyDeletebuy soma soma san diego two door cinema club - soma muscle relaxer overdose
ReplyDeletegeneric tramadol buyers of tramadol - ultram vs tramadol generic
ReplyDeletebuy tramadol no rx tramadol withdrawal blog - legal buy tramadol online usa
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeleteyou are flat-out WRONG. "pair" is an accepted alternate with a long history. a person who says "5 pair of shoes" is not doing it out of ignorance but out of literary influence. read the classics. plural "pair" was once as common as plural "sheep" or "fish".
I second Anonymous above.
Where is the writer getting his or her information? You are misinforming the good people who read you blog. Although "pair" has fallen out of usage (use?) in the last generation or so, and "pairs" has become more standard, they are both correct.
The above should have read, "...those who read your blog."
ReplyDeletegeneric xanax xanax pills 1mg - xanax drug test detection time
ReplyDeletexanax online xanax side effects mixed alcohol - xanax japan
ReplyDeletecarisoprodol 350 mg there drug test carisoprodol - carisoprodol 350 mg street price
ReplyDeletebuy xanax no prescription methocarbamol xanax drug interactions - buy xanax online without prescriptions
ReplyDeletebuy tramadol order tramadol online no prescription overnight - tramadol online legal
ReplyDeletexanax online xanax generic manufacturers - xanax dosage often
ReplyDeletebuy cialis online where to buy cialis safely online - cialis online bestellen erfahrungen
ReplyDeletebuy cheap cialis online no prescription best place buy cialis online forum - cialis pdo 6
ReplyDeletecialis online where to buy cialis online no prescription - buy 200 mg cialis
ReplyDeletexanax online safe to order xanax online - xanax 1mg picture
ReplyDeletexanax online xanax bars vs blue footballs - buy alprazolam without rx
ReplyDeletebuy cialis professional cialis cheapest lowest price - generic cialis rip-off
ReplyDeletecialis online cheap generic cialis no prescription - cialis 70 ans
ReplyDeletehttp://landvoicelearning.com/#51602 tramadol dosage 100 lb dog - tramadol online delivered florida
ReplyDeletecheap tramadol buy tramadol online no prescription - buy tramadol cod shipping
ReplyDeleteOnly the bгаnd tаg is mіssing,
ReplyDeleteother thаn thаt no otheг points or effeсtivenеss is missing
fгom the mеdicinе. Unlike any othеr impοtеncе
drug, Сiаlіs daily can effectiνely make sex spоntanеous
for you. It іѕ important to κeep the
plаnts frоm being infested by аny bugѕ or spideг mites as these pests tend to clog the sοil making it wet
and the roots will rot.
Аlso visit my web site cialis and alcohol dose
buy klonopin online side effects of klonopin weight gain - neurontin klonopin high
ReplyDeletehttp://buytramadolonlinecool.com/#51726 buy tramadol online legit - many tramadol 50 mg get high
ReplyDeletehttp://buytramadolonlinecool.com/#30807 200 mg tramadol high - tramadol 100 mg gotas
ReplyDeleteHi, Neat post. There's a problem together with your web site in web explorer, might check this? IE nonetheless is the marketplace chief and a large part of folks will pass over your excellent writing because of this problem.
ReplyDeleteStop by my homepage ... diet plans that work
Your оwn аrticle offеrs veгified helpful to us.
ReplyDeleteIt’s rеallу helpful and you really are naturallу νегy ωell-infοrmeԁ
in this region. You pоѕsеss еxρoѕed ouг еyеs to be
able to numerouѕ ορiniоn οf thіs kind of topiс with іntriguing аnd solid artіclеs.
Alѕо visit mу webpаge :: ADIPEX
My web page ADIPEX
> Correction: "Nice to see that there are others out there who are just as anal as me [not I]."
ReplyDeleteCorrect the correction:
"I" is correct. The whole phrase would be "as I (am)". The word "am" is implied.
Your report has confiгmеԁ beneficial tο me.
ReplyDeleteIt’s extremely helpful and you're certainly really well-informed in this area. You have got popped my face to be able to different thoughts about this kind of subject using intriquing, notable and sound written content.
Look into my web-site; phentermine
Feel free to surf my web-site ... phentermine
Yοuг reρort оffeгs сonfirmed nеcessаry to myself.
ReplyDeleteIt’ѕ quitе useful аnd you are certainly quite ωell-іnfοгmed in
this агea. You hаve оpenеԁ our faсe to different views on this particular mattеr
togеther with intriguing, notable and sοlіd ωritten contеnt.
My site : Valium
I am not sure where you're getting your information, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for fantastic info I was looking for this info for my mission.
ReplyDeletemy web-site; the tao of badass attraction system
Hi, i think that i saw you visited my website thus i came to
ReplyDelete“return the favor”.I am attempting to find things
to enhance my website!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!
!
Here is my blog post; graduate certificates online
You say "ONE PAIR of shoes sit under the bed." You make a big point of saying this is a singular subject but your verb "sit" does not agree. I am confused.
ReplyDeleteYou say "ONE PAIR of shoes sit under the bed." You make a big point of saying this is a singular subject but your verb "sit" does not agree. I am confused.
ReplyDeleteAsking questions are truly fastidious thing if
ReplyDeleteyou are not understanding anything entirely,
but this paragraph offers pleasant understanding even.
My blog post: exchange diet plan
I am actually delighted to glance at this website posts which consists of lots of
ReplyDeletehelpful information, thanks for providing such information.
Stop by my web page: diet plan
Pretty sectіon of cоntent. I juѕt stumbled upon your blog аnd іn accession capital to assеrt
ReplyDeletethаt I get in fact enјoyed account your blog posts.
Αny wаy I'll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently fast.
Feel free to visit my web page facebook applicazioni
thanks a great deal ... It assist me lot now intending to purchase HP LaserJet Pro P1106 Printer .
ReplyDelete.. once agin thanks.
Also visit my web-site: Xerox Phaser 8560
Hello every one, here every person is sharing such know-how, so it's nice to read this weblog, and I used to visit this website all the time.
ReplyDeleteMy webpage :: xerox 8560 driver
really practical information. specifically for ones that
ReplyDeletedo not print images but only utilize the pc as a word processor, which
is a significant number.
Also visit my blog - canzcreations.blogspot.com
sir, kindly deliver me the video.
ReplyDeletemy homepage; xerox phaser 8560 ink ()
around which time i m able to get this driver.
ReplyDeleteMy page - xerox phaser 8560 ink
hello,
ReplyDeletewe are attempting to print some buisiness cards with thermosensitive ink that
would certainly react with the warmth.
my site :: xerox phaser 8560 ram error
No one who says "one groups" should not attempt to teach anyone English grammar. It is two pairs though.
ReplyDeleteand the correct tense of the verb is "one pair of shoes SITS under the bed"... remember PAIR, though meaning two, is a singular noun
ReplyDeleteYES, so if there is a deer in my back yard, and a second one shows up. There are now two deers! Since Webster defines one as "Deer". Now I am clear too!
ReplyDeleteLol, I need to correct u man!!
ReplyDeleteIt is the word "five pair" which is correct rather than "five pairs". Check for the same in HIGH SCHOOL ENGLISH GRAMMAR by WREN and MARTIN.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI love the people that willingly accept that an anonymous blogger on the net is correct, simply because it agrees with their own personal opinion. ;-)
ReplyDeleteEvery dictionary you look it up in, both online or in print, says both are correct:
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/pair
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pair
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/pair
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/pair
And only one I found, the Oxford Learner's Dictionary, considers it correct in informal North American English, but incorrect in written English...(for obvious reasons.
http://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/pair_1
But look up what they say the "correct" way to pronounce aluminum is:
http://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/aluminium#aluminium__11
...and see if you think they are an authority anywhere in the world outside the UK!) ;-)
It would appear that one should say 'one pair of shoes sits...' since pair is singular. Yes?
ReplyDeleteI feel happiness to read the content that you are posting.Grammarly
ReplyDeleteA simple life is good with me. I don't need a whole lot. For me, a T-shirt, a pair of shorts, barefoot on a beach and I'm happy. See the link below for more info.
ReplyDelete#pair
www.ufgop.org
You wrote "a pair of shoes sit under the bed, but a pair of shoes sits under the bed. "Pair" is the subject and it is third-person singular. (Not having the time to rad all the comments, I apologize if others have already noted it.
ReplyDeleteWe are also planning to do this kind of activity with my friends and I want to be prepared for my shoes and socks. I bought my hiking shoes on this website http://www.boex.tv and they are second hand. They are still in good quality that's why I bought them. You can also check their site if you need a second hand shoes.
ReplyDeleteJust as plural of "deer" is "deer", the plural form of "pair" is "pair".
ReplyDeleteThe definition provided by Webster's for the singular form is irrelevant (and doesn't conflict) here.
Some things -- such as grammar -- are inherently independent of democratic consensus.
Note that the plural for "danish" (as in the pastry) is also "danish".
ReplyDeleteExample:
ReplyDeleteI ran over three pair of deer while stuffing my face with a bunch of danish.
"Filthy, styupid Hobbitses."
ReplyDelete#Gollum
lấy sỉ túi xách quảng châu
ReplyDeleteorder hàng taobao nhanh nhất
quần áo trẻ em từ trung quốc
mua trang sức quảng châu giá sỉ
order trang sức quảng châu
Correction of correction of December 26, 2009: "as anal as I" is, in fact, correct. The word "am" is understood to be at the end of the sentence, i.e., "as anal as I am."
ReplyDeleteSo...
ReplyDeleteFive pairs of shoes (are / is) ~~
"are" is correct?
I appreciate the advice, but when your own grammar is lacking......."more than one groups"???
ReplyDeleteWatch King Arthur
ReplyDeleteKing Arthur Full Movie
Watch King Arthur Full Movie
Watch King Arthur Full Movie Online
Watch King Arthur Legend of the Sword
Watch King Arthur Legend of the Sword full movie
King Arthur Legend of the Sword full movie
King Arthur full movie download
download King Arthur Legend of the Sword
Note: One pair of shoes sitS under the bed.
ReplyDeleteenglishadept.com
ReplyDeleteLots of people invest their entire day on acquiring likes as well as boosting their facebook fan adhering to but they can not increase the list of folks without extra aid. buy targeted facebook likes
ReplyDeleteHi Googlaz
ReplyDeleteGreat article! If anyone can be interested in a look here MassaggioIT, EscortInside, Incontriamoci. Thanks
ReplyDeleteAmasens ti offre i migliori annunci per chi cerca e offre incontri adult
ReplyDeleteThis is really attention-grabbing, You are an overly skilled blogger.
ReplyDeleteWhen an ad says "two pairs of glasses for $69," am I getting two or four pieces of eyewear?
ReplyDeleteYou wrote: ONE PAIR of shoes sit under the bed... you've made an error here. It should say ONE PAIR of shoes sits under the bed... the pair sits, not the shoes - 'of shoes' is a prepositional phrase. Shoes is not the subject of the sentence, pair is.
ReplyDeletekief
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome one
"ONE PAIR of shoes sit under the bed...meaning there are two different shoes ..." Is incorrect. One pair of shoes SITS under the bed. There are several errors like that in the post, but the point about pair and pairs is right on.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such a very unique blog. Buy Generic Cialis Online, Cheap Cialis Online
ReplyDeleteBuy Tapentadol Aspadol 100 mg Online Tapentadol Aspadol 100mg is used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain for both acute (following injury, surgery, etc.) and chronic musculoskeletal pain.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteYou decide to Buy Tapentadol 100mg online for benefits.
Tapentadol 100mg tablets are used to treat moderate to severe acute pain (pain that begins suddenly, has a specific cause,and is expected to go away when the cause of the pain is healed).
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBuy Viagra super active online It is commonly used for human to stimulate erection in body. Its known as Sildenafil commonly named Viagra.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the best information. Keep sharing!
ReplyDeleteBuy Kamagra Tablets UK
Kamagra Oral Jelly Tablets UK
Valif Oral Jelly Tablets UK
Femalegra 100mg tablets UK
It is a nice blog
ReplyDeletehttps://www.procoscare.com
Best Laser Hair Removal Treatment in Hyderabad
Advanced Laser Hair Removal Treatment in Hyderabad
best Lip Blush Treatment in Hyderabad
Thanks for the post it was very informative.
ReplyDeleteBest Painkiller Pills
Best Painkiller Tablet
Thanks a lot for giving us such a helpful information. You can also visit our website for nmims december assignment help
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the nice information. Buy online medicine safely from the UK's top pharmacy store.
ReplyDeleteKamagra Oral Jelly Tablets UK
Buy Tadalafil 20mg Tablets UK
Sildamax tablets next day delivery