a pair of students is or are?

Question

Hi,Would you please tell me which one is correct?A pair of students is... A pair of students are... And I guess when it comes as "pairs", the verb must come as plural. Is there any exception?Thanks

Fivejedjon · Accepted Answer

In real life we'd probably say, "Two students are ..."

Paeez · Answer

Thank you, and yes I would use the same, but I'm trying to learn correct usage of "a pair" for humans too. I don't think that it would be wrong to use "a pair" for the human too.

HUBLOT · Answer

http://rsecord.epsb.ca/co-curricular/student-leadership/student-office-assistants

During this time, a pair of students is stationed in the main entrance of the school, where they answer phone calls, take messages and assist visitors to the school.

I hope this helps.

Enoon · Answer

HUBLOThttp://rsecord.epsb.ca/co-curricular/student-leadership/student-office-assistants During this time, a pair of students is stationed in the main entrance of the school, where they answer phone calls, take messages and assist visitors to the school.I hope this helps.

I agree with that one, but "A pair of students are coming down the hallway." You have to use whatever sounds best in the context, usually whatever makes the best sense.

Audray · Answer

What about?
A pair of scissors.
A pair of pants.
A pair of glasses.
What about if we have more than one pair? Two pairs of pants.

Paeez · Answer

Thank you all,
"A pair" is quite especial a case comparing similar quantifiers like "a couple" or "a dozen", which come with plural noun.

Thanks again.

Paeez · Answer

Hi dear Audry,

It's the same, I mean all your three examples come with singular verbs, and "pairs" comes with a plural verb. I was asking about human cases, and wondered if there is any exception or not.

eg Two pairs of slippers are...

Anonymous · Answer

i dont really understand what it is

Enoon · Answer

AudrayWhat about?A pair of scissors.A pair of pants.A pair of glasses. What about if we have more than one pair? Two pairs of pants.

They are different. They are the names of things normally thought of as single objects. A pair of students is not like that.

You often hear "a coat and two pair of pants", but not "two pair of scissors" or "glasses". I have two pairs of scissors, one for the kitchen and one for sewing. I have two pairs of glasses, one for reading and one for driving.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

What about?
A pair of scissors is on my shopping list.
That pair of pants needs pressing.
.An extra pair of glasses comes in handy..

What about if we have more than one pair?
Always plural:

Two pairs of pants need pressing..

In the case of a pair of X, it depends on if you consider them as one unit or individuals.

A pair (of players) makes a team in tennis doubles and bridge.

a pair of students is or are?

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