Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[BMO]

google search - a new pair of - 108,000
a pair of new - 29,000

same meaning?
is the second one correct?

[bud]

Yeah, the second one is correct. Most would phrase it the first way, though. The second one has the same meaning, but I think it stresses the newness a little more.

[BMO]

thanks. you probably meant "a pair of new glasses" is brand one, as opposed to "new" from Goodwill.

[bud]

Yes! Excellent example for saying it the second way!

btw: ...you probably meant "a pair of new glasses" is brand new,..

[BMO]

yes, brand new. thanks again.

[asterix]

A pair of glasses can mean either spectacles (eyeglasses) or two (drinking) glasses.
I think a new pair of glasses tends to indicate that it refers to spectacles, whereas a pair of new glasses more likely means two new drinking glasses.

[bud]

Good point, Asterix, but to my ear both phrases refer to spectacles. That's especially true, in my opinion, since drinking glassses are rarely bought in pairs. They are usually bought in sets of 6 or more.

[bigdave]

They both mean the same thing...
It is just the way people use the search terms in their writing.
Did you find what you were looking for, however?
_________________
Sincerely,
David

P.S. Advice to students who are frustrated and unhappy with their progress in language learning. http://www.esl-education-network-online.com/SpeedEnglish