Fixed pairs
sooner or later, sick and tired, pros and cons.
The rules
- "sooner or later" = at some point. The order never changes.
- "sick and tired of" = very annoyed by something that keeps happening.
- Fixed pairs have a set order: "ladies and gentlemen", "salt and pepper".
- "black and white" = simple and clear, with no exceptions.
- "pros and cons" = advantages and disadvantages.
- "safe and sound" = safe and not hurt. The order is fixed.
Examples
- Sooner or later, you will have to decide.
- I’m sick and tired of waiting.
- ladies and gentlemen
- The rules are not black and white; it depends on the case.
- There are pros and cons to working from home.
- We got home safe and sound.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.Sooner or _____, you will have to decide.
2.I’m sick and _____ of waiting.
3.Which pair is in the natural order?
4.The rules are not black and _____; it depends on the case.
5.There are pros and _____ to working from home.