Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Crisi]

Please, would you help me with the following sentence?

She explained that she would always work in pairs.

I'm not so happy with 'in pairs' - or is it acceptable?

How would you put it?

Thank you very much in advance for your assistance.

[myprofe]

To work in pairs means to work in groups of two. It is a very common expression.
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I'm never going to learn if you don't correct my mistakes!

[Crisi]

Thank you for your answer.

They work in pairs = ok

But: She works in pairs? - Does this really work?

Thanks in advance for your patience!

[myprofe]

I wouldn't say this was wrong.

She doesn't work alone. She always works with a partner, a colleague, with someone else or in pairs. She prefers to work in pairs.

When you examine a sentence or an expression out of context it makes it harder to determine if it is natural, logical or correct.
_________________
I'm never going to learn if you don't correct my mistakes!

[Crisi]

Once again, thank you very much for your comprehensive explanation.