You normally use `a pair of’ when you are talking about two things which are of the same size and which are used together – for example, shoes, gloves, etc. When used in this manner, it can be followed by a singular or a plural verb.
*The pair of gloves I liked was not for sale. *The man put on a pair of black shoes that were in the veranda.
But it is preferred to use singular verb rather than plural:
A pair of scissors is in the drawer. (NOT A pair of scissors are in the drawer.)
Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – September 04, 2006.
*The pair of gloves I liked was not for sale. *The man put on a pair of black shoes that were in the veranda.
But it is preferred to use singular verb rather than plural:
A pair of scissors is in the drawer. (NOT A pair of scissors are in the drawer.)
Source: ‘Know Your English’ (The Hindu) – September 04, 2006.
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