The words pair, pare, and pear are homophones: that is, they sound the same but have different meanings.

The noun pair refers to two things that are used together (such as "a pair of gloves") or to a couple or a partnership of two people. As a verb, pair (or pair up or pair off) means to put two people or things together.

The verb pare means to remove, trim, reduce, or cut back.

The noun pear refers to the sweet, juicy fruit.

Examples:

• During the recession, universities were forced to pare their budgets, lay off staff, and raise student fees.
• Originality is simply a pair of fresh eyes.
• Pear trees are more tolerant of the cold than apple trees.
   

Practice:

(a) On cold days I wear an extra _____ of socks.

(b) When you travel, try to _____ down your belongings to the essentials.

(c) A fresh, ripe _____ is intensely sweet.

Answers to Practice Exercises

Glossary of Usage: Index of Commonly Confused Words