What Does Pair Mean?
A pair is a noun meaning a set of two matching items or people. As a verb, it means to join two things together.
Pair functions as a noun / verb.
What Does Pare Mean?
Pare is a verb meaning to peel or cut away the outer layer of something, or to reduce or trim something down.
Pare functions as a verb.
Pair vs Pare: Key Differences
| Pair | Pare |
|---|---|
| A set of two | To peel or trim |
| Noun or verb (to match up) | Always a verb |
| "A pair of gloves" | "Pare the potatoes" |
Examples of Pair in a Sentence
- She bought a new pair of shoes.
- The pair of friends have been inseparable since childhood.
- Pair the red wine with the steak.
- A pair of swans nested by the lake.
Examples of Pare in a Sentence
- Pare the apples before baking the pie.
- The company plans to pare down expenses next quarter.
- He pared the wood with a sharp knife.
- We need to pare this essay to under 500 words.
How to Remember the Difference
A pair is two things in the air together (a pair). To pare is to remove from the outside: think of "pare" sounding like "pear" (a fruit you peel).
Common Mistakes
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pair the apple before slicing it. | Pare the apple before slicing it. | Peeling requires the verb 'pare.' |
| She wore a new pare of earrings. | She wore a new pair of earrings. | A set of two items is a 'pair.' |
| The budget was paired down significantly. | The budget was pared down significantly. | Trimming or reducing uses 'pared.' |
If you are unsure which word fits, try Rephrasely's free grammar checker to catch errors instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What about 'pear'?
'Pear' is the fruit. 'Pair' is a set of two. 'Pare' is to peel. All three are homophones (they sound the same).
What does 'pare down' mean?
'Pare down' means to reduce or trim something to a smaller size. You can pare down a budget, a list, or a document.
Is 'a pair' singular or plural?
'A pair' takes a singular verb when referring to one unit ('a pair of scissors is on the table') and a plural verb when emphasizing two individuals ('the pair were arguing').