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A2 noun (plural) #10 most common 19 min read

scissors

Top 10

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips scissors in 30 Seconds

Explanation scissors in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'scissors' is a very important word for school and home. It is a tool we use to cut things like paper or string. You might see them in your classroom. Remember, even if you have one tool, we always say 'scissors' with an 's' at the end. You can say 'I have scissors' or 'I need scissors.' In a classroom, the teacher might say, 'Please use your scissors to cut the red paper.' It is a simple tool with two parts that move together. We use our fingers to open and close them. At this level, you just need to know what they are and that they are used for cutting. You should also know that they can be sharp, so we must be careful. You might play a game called 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' with your friends. In this game, scissors can cut paper, so scissors win! It is a fun way to remember the word. Always think of them as a pair, like shoes or socks. You wouldn't say 'one shoe' if you mean the set; you say 'shoes.' It's the same with scissors.

At the A2 level, you should know how to use 'scissors' in more complete sentences. You should understand that 'scissors' is a plural word. This means we say 'The scissors are sharp' and 'Where are the scissors?' We do not say 'The scissor is.' If you want to talk about one object, you should use the phrase 'a pair of scissors.' For example, 'I bought a new pair of scissors for my art class.' You will hear this word in many places: at the hair salon (the barber uses scissors), in the kitchen (to open bags of food), and in the office. You should also learn some words that go with scissors, like 'sharp' (cuts well) and 'blunt' (does not cut well). You might also hear 'safety scissors,' which are special scissors for children that are not very sharp. When you are talking about using them, you can say 'I am cutting the paper with scissors.' It is also good to know the rule: 'Don't run with scissors!' This is a very common thing people say to keep children safe. At this level, you are building your ability to describe everyday tasks using the correct plural forms.

At the B1 level, you can start to use 'scissors' in more specific contexts and understand more complex grammar. You should be comfortable using 'scissors' as a plurale tantum in all your writing and speaking. You might also start to learn about different types of scissors, such as 'nail scissors,' 'sewing scissors,' or 'kitchen shears.' Notice that 'shears' is a similar word often used for larger or more professional tools. You can describe the process of using them more accurately: 'She carefully snipped the thread with her embroidery scissors.' The verb 'snip' is a great B1 word to use with scissors. You might also encounter the word in idiomatic or metaphorical ways, though these are more common at higher levels. For example, in a business context, someone might talk about 'cutting' a budget, which is a metaphorical use of the action of scissors. You should also be able to give instructions involving scissors, such as 'First, take a pair of scissors and cut along the dotted line.' You are now moving beyond just naming the tool to describing its use in various hobbies and jobs, like tailoring, gardening, or cooking.

At the B2 level, your understanding of 'scissors' should include its various professional applications and more nuanced vocabulary. You should distinguish between 'scissors' and 'shears' based on size and handle design. You might read about 'surgical scissors' in a medical text or 'pinking shears' in a fashion article. Your vocabulary should include related verbs like 'trim,' 'shear,' 'prune,' and 'slit.' You should also be aware of the 'scissors kick' in sports like swimming or soccer, where the legs move in a way that mimics the tool. In terms of grammar, you should be perfectly comfortable with the 'pair of' construction and how it interacts with different tenses and complex sentence structures. For instance, 'Had I known the scissors were so blunt, I would have sharpened them before starting the project.' You might also encounter the word in more formal or literary contexts, where it could symbolize the Fates (who in Greek mythology cut the thread of life) or the ending of a relationship. At this level, you are expected to use the word accurately in both literal and figurative senses, showing a deep understanding of its role in English-speaking culture and professional life.

At the C1 level, you should have a comprehensive grasp of 'scissors' including its etymology and its use in highly specialized fields. You might know that the word comes from the Old French 'cisoires' and the Latin 'caedere' (to cut), and that the 'sc' spelling was influenced by the Latin 'scissor' (a cutter). You can use the word in sophisticated metaphors, such as 'the scissors of censorship' or 'the economic scissors' (referring to diverging price trends). You should be able to discuss the ergonomics of scissor design or the metallurgy required for high-quality blades in a technical or academic setting. Your use of collocations should be natural and varied: 'precision scissors,' 'heavy-duty shears,' 'ergonomically designed handles,' 'carbon steel blades.' You should also be familiar with the cultural nuances, such as the superstition of not giving scissors as a gift without a coin. In writing, you can use the sound and action of scissors to create vivid imagery: 'The silence of the room was punctuated only by the rhythmic, metallic rasp of the tailor's scissors.' At this level, the word is not just a label for a tool but a versatile element of your expressive repertoire.

At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of the word 'scissors' and its place in the English language. You can navigate the most subtle distinctions between various cutting implements and use the term with absolute precision in any context, from a scientific paper on mechanical leverage to a poetic exploration of time. You understand the historical evolution of the tool from the spring-style shears of the Roman era to the modern pivoted design. You can effortlessly employ the word in complex idiomatic expressions and understand its role in various professional jargons, such as the 'scissors effect' in economics or the 'scissors maneuver' in aerial combat. Your ability to use the word metaphorically is profound, perhaps using it to describe the 'scissoring' of social classes or the 'cutting' of historical narratives. You are also aware of the word's phonetic qualities and can use it effectively in creative writing to evoke specific moods or sounds. At this level, your knowledge of 'scissors' is both broad and deep, encompassing its linguistic history, its physical properties, its professional varieties, and its rich symbolic potential in literature and art.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

scissors in 30 Seconds

Scissors are a plural-only noun for a two-bladed cutting tool used for paper, fabric, and hair.
Grammatically, always use plural verbs (are/were) or the phrase 'a pair of scissors' for a single unit.
Commonly found in kitchens, schools, and salons, they are essential for crafts, cooking, and professional grooming.
The word is spelled with a silent 'c' and double 's', reflecting its complex linguistic history.

The word scissors refers to a ubiquitous handheld tool designed for the precise separation of materials through a shearing action. At its most fundamental level, scissors consist of two metallic blades that are joined at a central pivot point, known as a fulcrum. This mechanical arrangement allows the sharpened edges of the blades to slide past one another, creating a clean cut in substances such as paper, cardboard, textile fabrics, or even human hair. In the realm of physics, scissors are classified as a double-lever system where the pivot acts as the center, the handles provide the effort, and the blades apply the load to the material being cut. This tool is indispensable in a vast array of environments, ranging from the domestic kitchen to the high-stakes environment of a surgical theater. People use scissors when they need more control than a knife can provide for thin materials, or when they need to follow a specific, often curved, path through a medium.

Mechanical Function: The shearing force is generated when the user applies pressure to the finger loops, forcing the blades together. Because the blades are slightly offset, they do not meet head-on but rather glide against each other, which is what allows for the cutting of flexible materials without tearing them.

The tailor carefully guided the scissors along the chalk line to ensure the silk was cut perfectly for the evening gown.

Beyond their physical utility, scissors carry significant symbolic weight. In many cultures, they represent the power to sever ties, to end a process, or to shape something new from raw material. In the context of a 'ribbon-cutting ceremony,' scissors are the primary instrument used to mark the official opening of a new building or the launch of a project, symbolizing the transition from construction to operation. In domestic life, scissors are often categorized by their specific purpose: kitchen scissors are robust and often include a bottle opener, while embroidery scissors are small, sharp, and delicate for intricate needlework. The plurality of the word is a linguistic quirk; even though we often refer to a single physical object, we use the plural form 'scissors' because the tool is composed of two distinct blades working in tandem. This is why we almost always use the quantifier 'a pair of' when we want to specify a single unit.

Varieties of Use: From safety scissors used by toddlers in preschool to develop fine motor skills, to heavy-duty industrial shears used to cut through sheet metal, the design remains remarkably consistent across centuries of human history.

Please pass me those scissors so I can open this stubborn plastic packaging.

The evolution of scissors has seen them transition from bronze age spring-scissors, which relied on the tension of a curved metal bar, to the modern pivoted design we recognize today. This transition allowed for greater leverage and precision. In the digital age, the icon for 'cut' in almost every software interface is a pair of scissors, cementing its status as the universal symbol for removing or extracting content. Whether you are a surgeon performing a delicate operation, a barber styling a client's hair, or a student working on a collage, the scissors are a fundamental extension of human capability, allowing us to manipulate our physical environment with a level of detail that our hands alone cannot achieve. The sound of scissors—the rhythmic 'snip-snip'—is a sensory hallmark of productivity and craft.

Cultural Superstitions: In some traditions, giving scissors as a gift is thought to 'cut' the friendship. To counteract this, the recipient often gives a small coin in return, symbolically 'buying' the tool instead of receiving it as a gift.

The gardener used long-handled scissors to trim the hedges into perfect geometric shapes.

During the surgery, the nurse handed the sterile scissors to the doctor to cut the sutures.

Ultimately, the word 'scissors' encompasses a world of utility. It is a tool that bridges the gap between the raw and the refined. From the heavy iron shears of the past to the laser-sharpened stainless steel instruments of today, scissors remain a testament to human ingenuity in tool-making. They are simple enough for a child to understand yet precise enough for the most complex scientific tasks. When we talk about scissors, we are talking about the intersection of geometry, metallurgy, and human intent. The word itself, with its unique 'sc' beginning and sibilant 'ss' sounds, mimics the very sound of the blades sliding against each other, making it an almost onomatopoeic presence in the English language.

I can't find my craft scissors anywhere; I must have left them in the sewing room.

Using the word scissors correctly in English requires an understanding of its unique grammatical status as a 'plurale tantum'—a noun that only exists in the plural form. This means that even if you are holding one physical object, you must treat it as plural in your sentence structure. You would say 'These scissors are sharp,' not 'This scissor is sharp.' This linguistic rule often trips up learners, but once mastered, it becomes second nature. To refer to a single unit, the most common and grammatically correct construction is to use the phrase 'a pair of scissors.' This allows you to use singular verbs if you focus on the 'pair' (e.g., 'A pair of scissors is on the desk'), though in casual speech, many native speakers still default to plural verbs.

Subject-Verb Agreement: Always pair 'scissors' with plural verbs like 'are', 'were', 'have', or 'do'. For example: 'Where are the scissors?' or 'The scissors have become dull over time.'

Those scissors belong in the top drawer of the kitchen cabinet.

When describing the action of using scissors, several specific verbs are frequently employed. 'Cut' is the most general, but 'snip' suggests a small, quick cut, 'trim' implies removing small amounts to make something neat, and 'shear' is used for heavy-duty cutting or removing wool from sheep. Adjectives often used with scissors include 'sharp,' 'blunt,' 'rusty,' 'ergonomic,' 'left-handed,' and 'stainless steel.' If you are asking someone to give you the tool, it is polite and common to say, 'Could you pass me the scissors?' or 'I need a pair of scissors, please.' In professional contexts, you might specify the type: 'surgical scissors,' 'pinking shears' (which cut a zigzag edge), or 'hairdressing scissors.'

Common Collocations: Commonly used with verbs like 'pick up,' 'put down,' 'sharpen,' and 'use.' Example: 'You should sharpen those scissors if you want to cut through that thick denim.'

He took a pair of scissors and began to cut the coupons out of the Sunday newspaper.

In more complex sentence structures, 'scissors' can act as the object of a preposition or the subject of a subordinate clause. For instance, 'The paper, which was cut by the scissors, fell to the floor.' Here, the plural nature of the word remains consistent. It is also important to note the distinction between 'scissors' and 'shears.' While often used interchangeably in casual conversation, 'shears' usually refers to larger tools (longer than 6 inches) often with one handle larger than the other for more fingers, whereas 'scissors' are typically smaller and symmetrical. Using the word 'scissors' in a metaphorical sense is also possible, such as 'The editor's scissors were busy today,' implying that a lot of content was removed from a manuscript.

Prepositional Usage: We cut 'with' scissors. Example: 'She managed to open the package with a small pair of nail scissors.'

Unless the scissors are properly oiled, they will start to squeak and become difficult to use.

The kindergarten teacher reminded the children to walk, not run, while holding scissors.

Furthermore, the word 'scissors' can be used as a modifier in compound nouns, such as 'scissors kick' in swimming or soccer, or 'scissors lift' in construction. In these cases, the word describes the shape or motion of the blades. When writing, ensure that the spelling is correct—the 'sc' and double 'ss' are essential. Misspelling it as 'scisors' or 'sissors' is a common error. By paying attention to these grammatical and contextual nuances, you can use 'scissors' with the precision of the tool itself, ensuring your communication is clear and professional. Whether you are writing a technical manual or a creative story, the correct use of this word reflects a strong grasp of English pluralization and functional vocabulary.

The barber's scissors moved with lightning speed, transforming the man's shaggy hair into a neat fade.

The word scissors is a staple of everyday conversation and can be heard in a multitude of settings. In the domestic sphere, it is most frequently heard in the kitchen or the craft room. You might hear a parent ask, 'Has anyone seen the kitchen scissors?' or a child exclaim, 'I need the scissors to finish my art project!' These interactions highlight the tool's role as a basic necessity for modern living. In retail environments, especially fabric stores or gift shops, the word is used constantly. A clerk might ask, 'Would you like me to use the pinking scissors for this edge?' or 'I'll just grab the heavy-duty scissors to cut this thick ribbon.' The sound of the word itself is often accompanied by the physical action it describes, making it a very grounded, practical term.

In the Hair Salon: Stylists often discuss their tools with colleagues or clients. You might hear: 'These new scissors are so well-balanced, they make point-cutting much easier.' or 'I need to send my scissors out to be sharpened next week.'

'Hand me the trauma scissors!' the paramedic shouted as they worked to remove the patient's clothing.

In educational settings, 'scissors' is one of the first tool-related words children learn. Teachers use it during craft time, often emphasizing safety: 'Remember, we always carry our scissors with the points facing down.' This context embeds the word in our early vocabulary associated with creativity and caution. In professional medical environments, the word takes on a more technical tone. Surgeons, nurses, and technicians refer to various types of scissors—Metzenbaum, Mayo, or iris scissors—each designed for a specific tissue type or procedure. In this high-stakes environment, the word 'scissors' is part of a precise vocabulary where clarity is paramount. Hearing 'scissors' in a hospital room is a sign of a procedure in progress, whether it's removing a bandage or performing surgery.

In the Office: Even in the digital age, physical scissors are found in every office supply closet. You'll hear: 'Does the mailroom have a pair of scissors I can borrow?' or 'The scissors in the breakroom are too dull to cut this plastic.'

'I'll need the fabric scissors for the silk, not the ones we use for paper,' the costume designer instructed.

The word also appears in popular culture and games. 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' is a globally recognized hand game used to make decisions or settle disputes. You will hear children and adults alike chanting the names of the three items. In this game, 'scissors' is the element that beats paper but loses to rock. Furthermore, in the world of fashion and design, 'scissors' is a word that denotes craftsmanship. A 'bespoke' suit is often described as being 'cut with the master's scissors,' implying a level of personal care and expertise. In news reports, you might hear about 'budget scissors,' a metaphorical use referring to spending cuts. This wide range of applications—from a playground game to high-level economic discussion—shows how deeply the concept of the 'scissors' is woven into the fabric of English communication.

In the Garden: Gardeners use 'pruning scissors' or 'snips' for delicate plants. You might hear: 'Use the small scissors to deadhead the roses so you don't damage the stems.'

'One, two, three, scissors!' the kids yelled as they played the game to see who would go first.

The tailor's scissors are his most prized possession, passed down through three generations.

In summary, 'scissors' is a word you will hear whenever there is a need to divide, shape, or create. It is a word of action and utility. Whether it's the 'snip' of a barber's tool, the 'crunch' of heavy shears through cardboard, or the metaphorical 'cut' of a budget, the word 'scissors' is always nearby. It is a testament to the tool's fundamental importance that the word is so pervasive across so many different domains of human life. By listening for it in these various contexts, you can gain a deeper appreciation for its versatility and the specific nuances it carries in different professional and social circles.

The artist used tiny scissors to create incredibly detailed paper-cut silhouettes.

One of the most frequent errors learners make with the word scissors is treating it as a singular noun. Because we often perceive the tool as a single object, it is tempting to say 'Where is the scissor?' or 'I need a scissor.' However, in English, 'scissors' is a 'plurale tantum,' meaning it only exists in the plural form. You must always use plural verbs and pronouns with it. For example, 'The scissors are on the table' is correct, while 'The scissor is on the table' is not. Similarly, you would say 'I need them' (referring to the scissors), not 'I need it.' This mistake is particularly common among speakers whose native languages use a singular form for this tool.

The 'A' Trap: Another common mistake is using the indefinite article 'a' directly before 'scissors.' You cannot say 'a scissors.' Instead, you must say 'a pair of scissors' or simply 'some scissors.' This 'pair of' construction is the standard way to count items that come in two parts, like 'a pair of pants' or 'a pair of glasses.'

Incorrect: I bought a scissors yesterday.
Correct: I bought a pair of scissors yesterday.

Spelling is another area where mistakes frequently occur. The word 'scissors' has a somewhat counter-intuitive spelling, starting with 'sc' and containing a double 's' in the middle. Common misspellings include 'sissors,' 'scisors,' 'scisars,' and 'cissors.' The 'sc' at the beginning is a remnant of its Latin roots and is silent in modern English pronunciation, which often leads to the omission of the 'c.' Remembering the 'sc' as in 'science' or 'scene' can help. Additionally, the final 's' is crucial; even if you are talking about the tool in a general sense, the 's' must be there. There is no such word as 'scissor' used as a noun in standard English, except as a verb or in very specific technical compound terms.

Confusion with 'Shears': While 'scissors' and 'shears' are related, they are not always interchangeable. Using 'scissors' to describe large industrial cutting tools or gardening loppers might sound slightly off to a native speaker, who would prefer 'shears' or 'clippers' in those contexts.

Incorrect: This scissors is blunt.
Correct: These scissors are blunt.

Pronunciation can also be a hurdle. The 'c' is silent, so the word starts with a pure 's' sound: /'siz.ərz/. Some learners try to pronounce the 'c' or use a hard 'k' sound, which is incorrect. The middle 'ss' is pronounced as a 'z' sound, which is common for 's' between two vowels. Another mistake is related to the verb form. While 'to scissor' is a verb (meaning to move like scissors), it is relatively rare. Usually, we say 'to cut with scissors.' Using 'I scissored the paper' might sound overly formal or slightly strange in casual conversation. It's better to stick with 'I cut the paper with scissors' or 'I used the scissors to cut the paper.'

Pluralizing 'Pair': When you have more than one unit, you pluralize 'pair,' not 'scissors.' Example: 'I have three pairs of scissors,' not 'I have three scissors.'

Incorrect: Give me those scissor.
Correct: Give me those scissors.

Incorrect: Where is it? (referring to scissors)
Correct: Where are they?

Finally, a contextual mistake involves safety. In English-speaking cultures, there is a strong emphasis on 'scissors safety.' Failing to use the word in conjunction with safety warnings when appropriate (like 'Don't run with scissors!') might miss a cultural beat. Also, be aware of 'left-handed scissors.' Using the word without specifying 'left-handed' when talking to a lefty can be a minor oversight, as standard scissors are difficult for them to use. By avoiding these common grammatical, spelling, and contextual pitfalls, you will communicate more effectively and sound more like a native speaker. The key is to embrace the plural nature of the word and treat it with the same grammatical respect you would give to 'people' or 'clothes.'

I need to buy two pairs of scissors for the classroom.

While scissors is the most common term for this cutting tool, several other words describe similar instruments or offer more specific alternatives depending on the context. Understanding these nuances can greatly enrich your vocabulary and allow for more precise communication. The most closely related word is 'shears.' Generally, shears are larger than scissors (usually over 6 inches long) and often have one handle larger than the other to accommodate more fingers, providing more leverage for heavy-duty cutting. You'll hear about 'kitchen shears' or 'pinking shears.' In the garden, 'clippers' or 'secateurs' are used for pruning, while 'loppers' are the heavy-duty version for thick branches. Each of these tools operates on the same basic principle as scissors but is specialized for a particular task.

Scissors vs. Shears: Scissors are typically under 6 inches with symmetrical finger loops. Shears are longer, often with one larger loop, and are designed for more demanding tasks like cutting heavy fabric or bone in the kitchen.

While scissors are fine for paper, you really need a pair of shears to cut through that thick upholstery fabric.

Another alternative is 'snips.' Snips are usually smaller and designed for very short, precise cuts. 'Tin snips' are used for cutting sheet metal, while 'thread snips' are a staple in sewing for quickly cutting loose threads. 'Clippers' is another term often used, especially for personal grooming. We talk about 'nail clippers' or 'hair clippers.' Unlike scissors, clippers often have a different mechanical action, sometimes using a lever-press rather than a pivot-and-slide motion, but they serve a similar purpose of trimming. In a medical context, you might hear 'scalpel' mentioned alongside scissors; however, a scalpel is a single-bladed knife used for slicing, whereas scissors are for shearing tissue. Understanding when to use 'scissors' versus these alternatives shows a high level of linguistic competence.

Specialized Cutting Tools: - **Secateurs**: Used for gardening.
- **Pinking Shears**: Used to create a zigzag edge on fabric to prevent fraying.
- **Forceps**: Sometimes confused with scissors, but these are for gripping, not cutting.

The gardener reached for the clippers to tidy up the edges of the lawn where the mower couldn't reach.

In more informal or creative contexts, you might use verbs as alternatives to the noun. Instead of saying 'use the scissors,' you could say 'snip it off' or 'trim the edges.' This shifts the focus from the tool to the action. There are also metaphorical alternatives. When talking about reducing a budget, 'the axe' or 'the knife' might be used instead of 'the scissors,' though 'scissors' implies a more careful, selective reduction. In the world of digital editing, 'cut' is the standard command, but 'crop' is used for images. While 'crop' doesn't use physical scissors, the concept of removing the outer parts of an image is very similar to trimming a physical photograph with a pair of scissors. Exploring these synonyms and related terms helps you navigate different professional fields with ease.

Comparison Table

Scissors: General purpose, smaller, equal loops.
Shears: Professional/Heavy-duty, larger, unequal loops.
Snips: Small, quick, precise cuts (often metal or thread).
Clippers: Personal grooming or gardening (often a different mechanism).

He used a pair of thread snips to clean up the loose ends of the embroidery.

The surgeon requested the tenotomy scissors for the delicate procedure on the eye.

Ultimately, while 'scissors' is your go-to word, being aware of 'shears,' 'snips,' 'clippers,' and 'secateurs' allows you to be much more descriptive. Whether you are in a kitchen, a garden, a hospital, or a craft room, choosing the right word for the specific tool at hand demonstrates a sophisticated command of the English language. It shows that you don't just know the basic names of things, but you understand their specific functions and the professional contexts in which they are used. This level of detail is what separates a basic learner from a truly proficient speaker.

I prefer using kitchen shears to cut up a whole chicken because they are much stronger than regular scissors.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The 'sc-' spelling was adopted in the 16th century due to a mistaken belief that the word was related to the Latin 'scissor', which meant 'a carver' or 'one who cuts', from 'scindere' (to split).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈsɪz.əz/

US /ˈsɪz.ɚz/

The stress is on the first syllable: SIZ-zors.

Rhymes With

whizzers fizzers quizzers visors (near rhyme) lizards (near rhyme) islanders (near rhyme) scissors (self-rhyme) gizzards (near rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'c' (e.g., 'skiz-zors').
Using a hard 's' sound in the middle instead of a 'z' sound.
Adding an extra syllable at the end.
Failing to pronounce the final 's'.
Treating it as a three-syllable word.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is common, but the spelling can be tricky for new readers.

Writing 3/5

The silent 'c' and double 's' make it a frequent misspelling.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is generally straightforward once the silent 'c' is known.

Listening 1/5

The word is very distinct and easy to recognize in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

cut paper tool sharp hand

Learn Next

shears blade handle trim slice

Advanced

fulcrum leverage metallurgy shearing force ergonomics

Grammar to Know

Plurale Tantum

Scissors, like pants and glasses, are always plural.

Collective Nouns with 'Pair of'

A pair of scissors *is* on the table (focus on 'pair').

Silent Letters

The 'c' in scissors is silent, similar to 'science'.

Irregular Plurals

There is no singular 'scissor' used as a noun.

Compound Nouns

'Kitchen scissors' acts as a single unit of meaning.

Examples by Level

I use scissors to cut paper.

J'utilise des ciseaux pour couper du papier.

Notice that 'scissors' ends in 's' even though it's one tool.

Where are my scissors?

Où sont mes ciseaux ?

We use 'are' because 'scissors' is always plural.

These scissors are red.

Ces ciseaux sont rouges.

Use 'these' (plural) not 'this' (singular).

Can I have the scissors, please?

Puis-je avoir les ciseaux, s'il vous plaît ?

Always use 'the' or 'some' before 'scissors'.

Be careful, the scissors are sharp.

Fais attention, les ciseaux sont coupants.

'Sharp' is an adjective describing the scissors.

I have a pair of scissors in my bag.

J'ai une paire de ciseaux dans mon sac.

'A pair of' is the best way to count one unit.

Do not run with scissors.

Ne cours pas avec des ciseaux.

This is a common imperative (command) sentence.

We play Rock, Paper, Scissors.

Nous jouons à Pierre, Papier, Ciseaux.

In this game, 'scissors' is one of the three choices.

She bought a new pair of scissors for her sewing project.

Elle a acheté une nouvelle paire de ciseaux pour son projet de couture.

Use 'a pair of' to make it singular in meaning but keep the plural word.

The kitchen scissors are in the top drawer.

Les ciseaux de cuisine sont dans le tiroir du haut.

'Kitchen scissors' is a compound noun.

I need to sharpen these scissors because they are blunt.

Je dois aiguiser ces ciseaux car ils sont émoussés.

'Blunt' is the opposite of 'sharp'.

He used the scissors to open the plastic package.

Il a utilisé les ciseaux pour ouvrir l'emballage en plastique.

'To open' is the purpose of the action.

Are those scissors left-handed?

Est-ce que ces ciseaux sont pour gauchers ?

Left-handed scissors have the blades reversed.

The teacher handed out scissors to all the students.

Le professeur a distribué des ciseaux à tous les élèves.

'Handed out' is a phrasal verb meaning to distribute.

My grandmother has a very old pair of scissors.

Ma grand-mère a une très vieille paire de ciseaux.

Adjectives like 'very old' come before 'pair of'.

You can find the scissors in the stationery section.

Vous pouvez trouver les ciseaux au rayon papeterie.

'Stationery' refers to office and school supplies.

The tailor used his professional scissors to cut the expensive silk.

Le tailleur a utilisé ses ciseaux professionnels pour couper la soie coûteuse.

Professional scissors are often called 'shears' if they are large.

I accidentally dropped the scissors and they nearly hit my foot.

J'ai accidentellement fait tomber les ciseaux et ils ont failli me toucher le pied.

Use 'they' to refer back to 'scissors'.

She used embroidery scissors to snip the tiny threads.

Elle a utilisé des ciseaux à broder pour couper les tout petits fils.

'Snip' suggests a small, quick cut.

The barber's scissors made a rhythmic clicking sound as he worked.

Les ciseaux du barbier faisaient un cliquetis rythmique pendant qu'il travaillait.

The possessive 'barber's' shows who the scissors belong to.

If you don't have a pair of scissors, you can use a craft knife.

Si vous n'avez pas de paire de ciseaux, vous pouvez utiliser un cutter.

This is a first conditional sentence.

These scissors are specially designed for cutting through cardboard.

Ces ciseaux sont spécialement conçus pour couper du carton.

'Specially designed' is a common passive construction.

He carefully trimmed the photograph with a pair of scissors.

Il a soigneusement découpé la photographie avec une paire de ciseaux.

'Trimmed' means to cut off the edges to make it neat.

The first-aid kit should always contain a pair of sterile scissors.

La trousse de premiers soins doit toujours contenir une paire de ciseaux stériles.

'Sterile' means free from bacteria.

The government is using the 'budget scissors' to reduce public spending.

Le gouvernement utilise les « ciseaux budgétaires » pour réduire les dépenses publiques.

This is a metaphorical use of 'scissors'.

Pinking shears are a type of scissors that cut a zigzag pattern to prevent fraying.

Les ciseaux cranteurs sont un type de ciseaux qui coupent en zigzag pour éviter l'effilochage.

'Pinking shears' is a technical term in sewing.

The swimmer's legs moved in a powerful scissors kick as he neared the finish line.

Les jambes du nageur effectuaient un puissant mouvement de ciseaux alors qu'il s'approchait de la ligne d'arrivée.

'Scissors kick' is a compound noun used in sports.

Despite being centuries old, the basic design of scissors has changed very little.

Bien qu'ils datent de plusieurs siècles, la conception de base des ciseaux a très peu changé.

'Despite being' is a complex prepositional phrase.

The surgeon requested a pair of Metzenbaum scissors for the delicate internal dissection.

Le chirurgien a demandé une paire de ciseaux de Metzenbaum pour la dissection interne délicate.

'Metzenbaum' is a specific brand/type of surgical instrument.

She used the scissors to meticulously cut out the coupons from the magazine.

Elle a utilisé les ciseaux pour découper méticuleusement les coupons du magazine.

'Meticulously' is an adverb describing how the cutting was done.

The blades of the scissors were so rusty that they wouldn't even open.

Les lames des ciseaux étaient si rouillées qu'elles ne s'ouvraient même plus.

The 'so... that' construction expresses a result.

Left-handed people often struggle with standard scissors because the blades are oriented for right-handers.

Les gauchers ont souvent du mal avec les ciseaux standard car les lames sont orientées pour les droitiers.

'Oriented' means positioned in a specific direction.

The editor's scissors were ruthless, cutting the manuscript down to half its original length.

Les ciseaux de l'éditeur ont été impitoyables, réduisant le manuscrit à la moitié de sa longueur initiale.

A metaphor for heavy editing and removal of text.

The 'scissors effect' in economics occurs when two related price trends move in opposite directions.

L'« effet de ciseaux » en économie se produit lorsque deux tendances de prix liées évoluent dans des directions opposées.

A technical economic term.

The artisan used a pair of fine-tipped scissors to create an intricate paper-cut silhouette.

L'artisan a utilisé une paire de ciseaux à pointes fines pour créer une silhouette en papier découpé complexe.

'Fine-tipped' is a compound adjective.

In Greek mythology, Atropos was the Fate who used her scissors to cut the thread of life.

Dans la mythologie grecque, Atropos était la Parque qui utilisait ses ciseaux pour couper le fil de la vie.

A cultural and mythological reference.

The stainless steel used in high-end hairdressing scissors ensures a long-lasting, razor-sharp edge.

L'acier inoxydable utilisé dans les ciseaux de coiffure haut de gamme garantit un tranchant durable et effilé comme un rasoir.

'Razor-sharp' is a common compound adjective.

The rhythmic snip of the scissors provided a soothing soundtrack to the afternoon's work in the atelier.

Le craquement rythmique des ciseaux offrait une bande-son apaisante au travail de l'après-midi dans l'atelier.

'Snip' is used here as a noun.

The gardener's topiary work required a variety of scissors and shears to achieve the desired geometric precision.

Le travail de topiaire du jardinier nécessitait une variété de ciseaux et de cisailles pour obtenir la précision géométrique souhaitée.

'Topiary' is the art of clipping shrubs into shapes.

The tension screw on these scissors can be adjusted to change the resistance of the blades.

La vis de tension de ces ciseaux peut être ajustée pour modifier la résistance des lames.

'Tension screw' is a technical part of the tool.

The social fabric was being torn apart, as if by the invisible scissors of systemic inequality.

Le tissu social était en train de se déchirer, comme sous l'action des ciseaux invisibles de l'inégalité systémique.

A high-level literary metaphor.

The etymological journey of 'scissors' reveals a fascinating confluence of Old French and Latin linguistic influences.

Le voyage étymologique du mot « scissors » révèle une confluence fascinante d'influences linguistiques de l'ancien français et du latin.

Discussing the history of the word itself.

The fighter pilot executed a perfect 'rolling scissors' maneuver to get behind his opponent.

Le pilote de chasse a exécuté une manœuvre de « ciseaux roulants » parfaite pour se placer derrière son adversaire.

A highly specialized military aviation term.

Her prose was characterized by a 'scissors-and-paste' quality, lacking a cohesive original voice.

Sa prose était caractérisée par une qualité de « ciseaux et de colle », manquant d'une voix originale cohérente.

An idiom meaning something is compiled from various sources without much original thought.

The surgeon's dexterity with the iris scissors was a testament to decades of rigorous training.

La dextérité du chirurgien avec les ciseaux à iris témoignait de décennies d'entraînement rigoureux.

'Dexterity' means skill in performing tasks with the hands.

The poem uses the image of a pair of scissors to explore the themes of separation and the finality of death.

Le poème utilise l'image d'une paire de ciseaux pour explorer les thèmes de la séparation et du caractère définitif de la mort.

Analyzing the symbolic use of the word in literature.

The mechanical advantage of scissors is derived from the principle of the lever, where the pivot serves as the fulcrum.

L'avantage mécanique des ciseaux provient du principe du levier, où le pivot sert de point d'appui.

A scientific description of the tool's function.

The tailor's shears, though functionally identical to scissors, are distinguished by their size and the specific angle of their blades.

Les cisailles de tailleur, bien que fonctionnellement identiques aux ciseaux, se distinguent par leur taille et l'angle spécifique de leurs lames.

'Functionally identical' is a sophisticated adverb-adjective pairing.

Common Collocations

a pair of scissors

sharp scissors

blunt scissors

kitchen scissors

safety scissors

nail scissors

run with scissors

cut with scissors

sharpen the scissors

left-handed scissors

Common Phrases

Rock, Paper, Scissors

— A hand game used to make a choice between two people.

Let's play Rock, Paper, Scissors to see who goes first.

A pair of scissors

— The standard way to refer to one single scissors tool.

Could you pass me a pair of scissors?

Scissors kick

— A movement in swimming or soccer where the legs cross like scissors.

He scored a goal with a spectacular scissors kick.

Scissors lift

— A type of platform that can be raised straight up using linked, folding supports.

The workers used a scissors lift to reach the ceiling lights.

Cut it with scissors

— A literal instruction to use the tool for cutting.

Don't use your teeth; cut it with scissors.

Barber's scissors

— Specialized scissors used for cutting hair.

The barber's scissors were incredibly sharp.

Surgical scissors

— High-precision scissors used in medical operations.

The nurse handed the surgical scissors to the doctor.

Embroidery scissors

— Small, sharp scissors used for delicate needlework.

She kept her embroidery scissors in a special leather case.

Tailor's scissors

— Large, heavy scissors used for cutting fabric patterns.

The tailor's scissors are very heavy and made of steel.

Safety scissors

— Scissors with rounded tips and plastic-covered blades for children.

Preschoolers always use safety scissors to avoid accidents.

Often Confused With

scissors vs shears

Shears are larger and often have different sized handles.

scissors vs clippers

Clippers often use a different mechanism (like a lever) for cutting.

scissors vs tweezers

Tweezers are for picking things up, not cutting them.

Idioms & Expressions

"Run with scissors"

— To engage in risky or dangerous behavior.

Investing all your money in one stock is like running with scissors.

informal

"The scissors of censorship"

— The act of removing parts of a book, movie, or news report.

The film did not escape the scissors of censorship in some countries.

formal/literary

"Scissors-and-paste"

— Work that is done by collecting pieces from other sources rather than original thought.

His thesis was a scissors-and-paste job from various websites.

informal/critical

"Economic scissors"

— A situation where prices for one group rise while prices for another fall.

The economic scissors between urban and rural incomes are widening.

academic/economic

"Cut ties"

— To end a relationship or connection (metaphorically using the action of scissors).

He decided to cut ties with his old company and start his own.

neutral

"To be at sixes and sevens"

— A state of confusion (sometimes associated with the messy state of a sewing room with scissors).

The office was at sixes and sevens after the manager left.

informal

"Snip at"

— To make small, critical remarks about someone.

She kept snipping at his choice of clothes all evening.

informal

"Shear off"

— To break off due to a sideways force (like the action of scissors).

The bolt sheared off under the extreme pressure.

technical

"Trim the fat"

— To remove unnecessary parts or expenses from something.

The company needs to trim the fat if it wants to survive the recession.

business/informal

"Cut to the chase"

— To get to the most important part of a matter quickly.

Stop giving me the background and just cut to the chase.

informal

Easily Confused

scissors vs shears

They look very similar and perform the same function.

Scissors are usually smaller (under 6 inches) with symmetrical handles. Shears are larger and often have one larger handle for more fingers.

Use scissors for the paper and shears for the heavy fabric.

scissors vs forceps

They are both metal tools found in medical kits.

Scissors have sharp blades for cutting; forceps are like tweezers and are used for gripping or holding tissue.

The doctor used the forceps to hold the skin and the scissors to cut the thread.

scissors vs pliers

Both are handheld tools with two parts joined at a pivot.

Pliers are for gripping, bending, or cutting wire; scissors are for shearing thin materials like paper and cloth.

Use the pliers to bend the wire, not your craft scissors.

scissors vs knife

Both are used for cutting.

A knife has a single blade and cuts by slicing; scissors have two blades and cut by shearing.

It's easier to cut a circle with scissors than with a knife.

scissors vs clippers

Both are used to trim hair or nails.

Clippers often have many small blades that move back and forth, or a lever mechanism; scissors have two long blades.

I use clippers for my buzz cut and scissors for my bangs.

Sentence Patterns

I have [color] scissors.

I have blue scissors.

Where are the [type] scissors?

Where are the kitchen scissors?

I used the scissors to [verb] the [noun].

I used the scissors to cut the ribbon.

If the scissors are [adjective], you should [verb] them.

If the scissors are blunt, you should sharpen them.

The [noun] was [verb]ed by the [adjective] scissors.

The manuscript was decimated by the editor's scissors.

The [abstract noun] of the [noun] mimics the [verb] of scissors.

The diverging paths of the two friends mimic the opening of scissors.

Can you pass me a pair of scissors?

Can you pass me a pair of scissors, please?

These scissors are too [adjective] to cut [noun].

These scissors are too small to cut this cardboard.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in daily life and various professional fields.

Common Mistakes

The scissor is sharp. → The scissors are sharp.
Scissors is a plurale tantum and must always take a plural verb.
I need a scissors. → I need a pair of scissors.
You cannot use 'a' directly with a plural-only noun. Use 'a pair of' or 'some'.
I bought two scissors. → I bought two pairs of scissors.
To count scissors, you must pluralize the word 'pair'.
Where is it? (referring to scissors) → Where are they?
Pronouns referring to scissors must also be plural.
I used my sissors. → I used my scissors.
The word is frequently misspelled without the 'c'.

Tips

Always Plural

Remember that 'scissors' is always plural. Use 'are' instead of 'is'. For example: 'The scissors are on the desk.' This is one of the most common mistakes for English learners.

Use 'Pair of'

To refer to a single unit, use the phrase 'a pair of scissors'. This makes your English sound much more natural and helps with counting. 'I need two pairs of scissors' is the correct way to pluralize the unit.

Carry with Care

When walking with scissors, always hold them by the closed blades with the points facing the floor. This is a standard safety rule taught in schools to prevent accidents if you trip.

Keep them Sharp

Dull scissors can tear material instead of cutting it. You can sharpen them using a specialized sharpener or by carefully cutting through a piece of fine sandpaper several times.

The Silent C

Don't forget the 'c' in scissors! It's silent, which makes it easy to miss. Think of the word 'science'—both start with 'sc' but you only hear the 's' sound.

Kitchen vs. Paper

Try to have separate scissors for different tasks. Using fabric scissors on paper will dull them very quickly, making them less effective for cutting cloth later.

Decision Making

If you can't decide something with a friend, suggest a game of 'Rock, Paper, Scissors'. it's a fun and fair way to make a quick choice that everyone understands.

Specific Types

Learn the names of specific scissors for your hobbies. If you like sewing, learn 'pinking shears'; if you like gardening, learn 'pruning snips'. It shows great vocabulary depth.

Latin Roots

The word comes from the Latin 'caedere', meaning 'to cut'. Knowing this can help you connect it to other English words like 'decide' (to cut off other options) or 'concise' (cut short).

Risk Taking

If someone tells you 'don't run with scissors' in a non-literal way, they are telling you that you are taking a dangerous risk. It's a very common English idiom.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'S' shape of the two blades. The word starts with S, has SS in the middle, and ends with S. S-C-I-SS-O-R-S.

Visual Association

Imagine two snakes (S) crossing each other to form the blades of the scissors.

Word Web

Cut Paper Sharp Pair Blades Metal Handles Snip

Challenge

Try to find five different things in your house that you can cut with scissors and name them in English.

Word Origin

The word 'scissors' comes from the Middle English 'sisoures', which was borrowed from the Old French 'cisoires'. This, in turn, stems from the Vulgar Latin 'caesorium', from the Latin 'caedere', meaning 'to cut'.

Original meaning: A cutting instrument or tool.

Indo-European (Latinate via French)

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing scissors in a medical or psychiatric context, as they can be seen as sharp objects/weapons.

The phrase 'Don't run with scissors' is a quintessential piece of advice given to children in English-speaking countries.

The movie 'Edward Scissorhands' directed by Tim Burton. The game 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' played worldwide. The Greek Fate Atropos who cuts the thread of life.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

School/Art Class

Cut along the line
Safety scissors
Pass the scissors
Art project

Kitchen

Kitchen shears
Open the package
Cut the herbs
Wash the scissors

Hair Salon

Trim the ends
Barber's scissors
Sharp blades
Haircut

Sewing/Tailoring

Fabric scissors
Cut the pattern
Snip the thread
Pinking shears

Medical

Surgical scissors
Sterile tools
Cut the sutures
Medical kit

Conversation Starters

"Do you have a pair of scissors I could borrow for a moment?"

"What's the best way to sharpen a pair of kitchen scissors?"

"Did you ever play 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' to decide something important?"

"Are you left-handed? If so, is it hard to find good scissors?"

"I'm looking for some heavy-duty scissors; do you have any recommendations?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you had to use scissors for something other than cutting paper.

If you were a pair of scissors, what would you like to cut most and why?

Write about a childhood memory involving a craft project and safety scissors.

Discuss the importance of tools like scissors in human history and development.

Imagine a world where scissors didn't exist. How would everyday tasks change?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is always 'scissors' when used as a noun. The word is a 'plurale tantum,' meaning it doesn't have a singular form in this context. You should always include the 's' at the end, even if you are talking about one tool.

We use 'a pair of' because the tool is made of two blades that work together. This is similar to other items that come in two parts, like 'a pair of glasses' or 'a pair of pants.' It helps us count the items more clearly.

Not exactly. While they are very similar, 'scissors' usually refers to smaller tools (under 6 inches) with equal-sized finger holes. 'Shears' are larger and often have one handle that is bigger than the other to allow for more fingers and more power.

The correct spelling is S-C-I-S-S-O-R-S. Many people forget the 'c' after the 's' at the beginning, or they forget the double 's' in the middle. A good way to remember is that it starts like 'science' and has two blades, so it has two 's's in the middle.

No, that sounds unnatural to native speakers. Instead of 'one scissors,' you should say 'a pair of scissors' or 'this pair of scissors.' If you have more than one, you say 'two pairs of scissors.'

Safety scissors are designed for children. They usually have rounded tips instead of sharp points and often have plastic covering most of the blades to prevent accidental cuts. They are common in preschools and kindergartens.

It's a popular hand game where players simultaneously form one of three shapes: a fist (rock), a flat hand (paper), or a V-shape with fingers (scissors). Rock breaks scissors, scissors cut paper, and paper covers rock.

It is pronounced /'siz.ərz/. The 'c' is silent, so it starts with an 's' sound. The middle 'ss' sounds like a 'z'. It rhymes with 'whizzers' or 'quizzers'.

Yes, 'to scissor' can be a verb meaning to move your legs or arms in a way that mimics the opening and closing of scissors. For example, 'The swimmer scissored his legs.' However, to describe the act of cutting, we usually say 'cut with scissors.'

Pinking shears are a special type of scissors used in sewing. They have saw-toothed blades that cut a zigzag edge in fabric. This prevents the edges of the cloth from fraying (falling apart).