Pair vs Pear: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
The word "pair" means 'a set of two,' while "pear" refers to the fruit 'pear.
Memory Tip: pair = two shoes, pear = juicy fruit
pair rhymes with 'air', pear rhymes with 'hair'
pair /pɛr/
nounA pair is two things that are the same or go together.
Example:
I need a new pair of shoes for the party tonight.
Common patterns:
a pair of shoes
a pair of socks
pear /peə(r)/
nounA pear is a sweet fruit with a thin skin and a round bottom that tapers to a stem at the top.
Example:
She is eating a juicy pear for her afternoon snack.
Common patterns:
pear tree
ripe pear
pear juice
Common Mistakes
I bought a new pear of shoes yesterday.
I bought a new pair of shoes yesterday.
The word 'pair' is correct here because it refers to a set of two items, like shoes.
She ate a pair for lunch.
She ate a pear for lunch.
The word 'pear' is correct here because it refers to the fruit she ate.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. I need a new ____ of shoes for the party tonight.
2. She is eating a juicy ____ for her afternoon snack.
Other Confusing Words
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