'A Forceps' or 'A Pair of Forceps'. Which Is Correct?
It's "a pair of forceps". You cannot use "a" before "forceps" because this tool consists of two parts, and only has a plural form.
It's "a pair of forceps". You cannot use "a" before "forceps" because this tool consists of two parts and only has a plural form.
We had to use a pair of forceps.
We had to use a forceps.
Remember, the indefinite article a/an cannot be used with plural nouns, like "forceps", but you can use other determiners, such as a pair of, the, some, these, those, etc.
You may need to use a pair of curved surgical forceps.
Those forceps are really useful.
To count these objects, you can use the expressions "two pairs of forceps", "three pairs of forceps", etc.
She bought four pairs of forceps last week.
To introduce this word in a general way, use no determiner.
Forceps are typically made of different metal alloys.
Being a plural noun, the word "forceps" requires a plural form of a verb; for example, we say "forceps are" (not "forceps is").
These forceps are perfect for students.
Be also aware that this noun takes a plural pronoun (they, them, these, etc.)
These are called forceps. They can be used in a laboratory or in surgery.
Other names of tools and instruments that also take "a pair of" are listed below:
