the pair of shoes是单数还是复数

The Puzzle of ‘Pair’ in English Grammar: Singular or Plural?

When it comes to the usage of the word “pair” in English grammar, many people find themselves scratching their heads over whether a phrase like “a pair of shoes” is singular or plural. The confusion arises from the fact that “pair” can function both as a collective noun and an individual unit, depending on how it is used in context. Let’s delve into this grammatical conundrum and explore the proper use of “pair” with respect to nouns that indicate multiple items.

What Is a Pair?

A pair is defined as two things that are matched together because they belong together (like a pair of socks) or because they complement each other (like a pair of scissors). When we talk about a pair, we typically think of two things that go together, but does this mean that “pair” always refers to a plural concept? Not necessarily.

Using ‘Pair’ With Countable Nouns

In most cases, when you refer to a pair of something countable—such as shoes, gloves, pants, or glasses—you treat the entire group as a single item for purposes of agreement with verbs and adjectives. For example:

– Singular Verb: I need to buy a new pair of shoes.

– Plural Verb: They have several pairs of jeans in different colors.

Here, the verb agrees with what’s inside the pair, so if “shoes” or “jeans” were replaced by any other plural noun, the sentence would still be correct. This indicates that the phrase “a pair of \[noun\]” acts as a singular unit.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. If the focus shifts away from the pair itself and onto the individual items within the pair, then the verb may agree with these plural elements instead:

– Incorrect: Each pair of shoes are unique.

– Correct: Each pair of shoes is unique.

In the corrected version, the emphasis is on the uniqueness of each shoe within the pair, not on the pair itself. Therefore, treating the pair as a whole makes more sense in terms of meaning and agreement.

Using ‘Pair’ With Uncountable Nouns

With uncountable nouns, such as clothing materials or liquids, using “a pair of” implies a measurable amount rather than counting individual units. Here, the word “pair” functions similarly to words like “cupful” or “handful”:

– A pair of milk isn’t correct; however, a pair of milkshakes is fine since “milk” is uncountable.

Tips for Usage

To avoid confusion, consider these tips when using “pair” in your sentences:

1. Focus on Meaning: Determine whether the emphasis should be on the pair as a whole or on its components.

2. Consistency Matters: Keep the number consistent throughout your sentence. If one part of the sentence is singular, make sure the rest follows suit.

3. Contextualize Your Sentences: The surrounding text will often guide you towards the appropriate choice for singular or plural usage.

Conclusion

The key takeaway is that while “pair” is generally treated as a singular noun, it can sometimes behave differently based on the context and the emphasis of the sentence. As a general rule, treat “a pair of \[countable noun\]” as singular unless the meaning requires otherwise. Always prioritize clarity and consistency in your writing to ensure that your readers understand exactly what you intend to convey.