Greetings, language enthusiasts! I'm a seasoned linguistic expert with a deep passion for the nuances of the English language. When it comes to the phrase in question, whether it's "two pair" or "two pairs," it's a matter of understanding the grammatical agreement between the number and the noun.

In English, when we're discussing multiple items, we often use the plural form of the noun. However, there are exceptions to this rule, especially with certain nouns that don't change their form in the plural. The word "pair" is one of those nouns that remains the same in both singular and plural forms. This can lead to some confusion when trying to determine the correct usage.

The phrase "two pair" is technically correct when referring to two individual sets of two items each, such as two pairs of shoes. However, in everyday conversation, people often use "two pairs" to emphasize the plurality of the items being described. This is especially true when the context makes it clear that more than one set is being discussed.

The confusion arises because "pair" doesn't change to show plurality, unlike other nouns that do change form, such as "foot" to "feet" or "mouse" to "mice." Because of this, using "pairs" can help to clarify the intended meaning, especially in written communication where context may not be as clear as in spoken language.

It's also important to note that the use of "pair" and "pairs" can be influenced by the region and the formality of the language being used. In more formal writing or speech, one might lean towards using "two pairs" to avoid ambiguity. In casual conversation, "two pair" might be perfectly acceptable and understood.

In summary, while "two pair" is grammatically correct due to the noun "pair" not changing in the plural, "two pairs" is often used to provide clarity and is widely understood in both spoken and written English. The choice between the two can depend on the level of formality and the need for clarity in communication.

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As you're describing more than one pair of shoes, you should use the plural form of the noun: Three pairs of shoes. Though it's worth noting that if you're describing one pair, this would be correct: ... Some nouns have the same form in both the singular and the plural though.read more >>