What’s the Plural of Scissors: Understanding Regular and Irregular Plurals
Quick Answer
The word scissors is always plural. You cannot say “a scissor.” Say “a pair of scissors” for one and “pairs of scissors” for more than one.
Scissors — Always Plural, Always “Are”
Look at these sentences. Pay attention to the word in blue:
- Where are the scissors? I need to cut this paper.
- She bought a new pair of scissors for the classroom.
- There are three pairs of scissors in the drawer.
- These scissors are very sharp. Be careful!
Did you see the pattern? We always say scissors — never “scissor.” And we always use the verb are, not “is.”
| What you mean | What you say |
|---|---|
| One (1) | a pair of scissors |
| Two (2) | two pairs of scissors |
| Many | several pairs of scissors |
Why You Cannot Say “A Scissor”
Scissors have two blades that work together. Because this tool has two parts, English treats it as plural. This means:
- Always use a plural verb: The scissors are on the desk. (Not “is.”)
- Say “a pair of” when you mean one: I need a pair of scissors.
- Say “pairs of” when you mean more than one: We bought five pairs of scissors for the class.
Easy way to remember: Two blades = always plural. Use “pair” to count them, just like you say “a pair of glasses” or “a pair of trousers.”
The Rule in One Line: Scissors is always plural — say “a pair of scissors” for one.
How to Use Scissors in Everyday English
Here are sentences you might hear or say every day:
- Can you pass me the scissors? I need to open this box. (= the tool — always plural)
- The scissors are in the top drawer. (= plural verb “are”)
- My daughter needs a pair of scissors for her art class. (= one set of scissors)
- We ordered ten pairs of scissors for the office. (= counting with “pairs of”)
- These scissors do not cut well. I think they are old. (= plural verb again)
You are doing great. Now let’s look at the mistakes many learners make.
Three Mistakes to Avoid With Scissors
Even native speakers’ children make this mistake when they are learning to talk — so if you get confused, you are not alone. “Scissors” breaks the normal rules, and that makes it tricky for everyone.
Mistake 1: Saying “a scissor”
✗ Can I borrow a scissor?
✓ Can I borrow a pair of scissors?
Mistake 2: Using “is” with scissors
✗ The scissors is on the table.
✓ The scissors are on the table.
Mistake 3: Saying “two scissors” to mean two sets
✗ I bought two scissors yesterday.
✓ I bought two pairs of scissors yesterday.
How to remember: Think of glasses — you say “a pair of glasses,” not “a glass” (for eyewear). Scissors works the same way. Both have two parts, so both are always plural.
Other words like this: glasses, trousers, shorts, jeans, pants, tongs. They are all always plural, and you use “a pair of” for one.
Test Yourself: Scissors, Pair, or Pairs?
Choose the correct answer for each sentence. Click Check to see if you are right.
1. Can you pass me the _______? I need to cut this ribbon.
2. She needs a _______ of scissors for her art project.
3. The scissors _______ very sharp. Be careful!
4. We ordered ten _______ of scissors for the school.
5. Where _______ the scissors? I left them on the desk.
Keep Going — You Are Building Something
You just learned how “scissors” works — a plural-only noun that you count with “pairs.” That is one more tricky word you will never get wrong again.
But scissors is not the only everyday item like this. There is a piece of clothing that follows the exact same rule — you cannot say “a trouser.” Do you know why we always say trousers? And what happens when you need to buy more than one?
Next lesson: What’s the Plural of Trousers?
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My name is Khamis Maiouf. I am the creator of the English Teacher Site, dedicated to providing valuable resources and insights for students around the world. With a passion for education and a commitment to helping students enhance their skills, I aim to make English teaching more effective and enjoyable for both educators and students.
