What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
couple
Example
The couple went on a romantic vacation to Hawaii. [couple: noun]
Example
Can you give me a couple of examples of what you mean? [couple: adjective]
Example
I need a couple more ingredients to finish this recipe. [couple: determiner]
pair
Example
She bought a new pair of shoes for the party. [pair: noun]
Example
The detectives worked as a pair to solve the case. [pair: noun]
Example
I need to buy a new pair of gloves for the winter. [pair: determiner]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pair is more commonly used than couple in everyday language. Pair is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while couple is less common and is mostly used to describe romantic relationships.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between couple and pair?
Pair is generally considered more formal than couple. While couple is often used in informal contexts, pair is more appropriate for formal writing or speech.
