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Pair or Pairs?

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Dec 8, 2003
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We all know that two of something can be called a pair (for example, a pair of socks).

When we have multiple of these paired items, however, some people refer to them as "pair", but some "pairs". For example I would always call 2 sets of socks "two pairs of socks", but some people call them "two pair of socks".

Are both correct? It always niggles me when people fail to pluralise "pair".

Dan
 
I think the correct answer is that both are correct. My preference is to use pairs.

Good Luck
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How do you explain "two pair" (singular) of anything to be correct, CajunCenturion?
 
Here is one reference
221. pair

Good Luck
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As a circle of light increases so does the circumference of darkness around it. - Albert Einstein
 
Dimandja,

I, too, use 'pairs'. But you don't have to look far for sources that confirm pair is accepted usage:

From Websters:
Inflected Form(s): plural pairs or pair

From your dictionary:
pl. pair or pairs

From TheFreeDictionary:
pl. pair or pairs

Etc.

[tt]-John[/tt]
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My tendency, now that I think of it, is to use "pair" when referring to one or two pair, and "pairs" when referring to more than that.
 
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