Par - gender

Question

In the dictionary the video for "Par" says that it is a masc. or fem. noun - but there is no explanation as to correct usage.

Some examples:

ir a la par -> to go halves, to have an equal share in the business

bajar del par -> to finish under par

caminar al par de -> to walk abreast of

estar por encima de la par-> to be above or over par

Are there any 'rules' (or guidelines) as to what definite/indefinite article should be used?

Answer 1

Here are some examples where both genders are used, although I see it more with masculine articles:

• a la par de = on the same level as

• son pares en altura = they're of equal height

• un par de guantes = a pair of gloves

• por un par de dólares = for a couple of dollars

• un par de veces = a couple of times

• no tener par = to be unparalleled

• de par en par = wide open

• estar por encima de la par = to be above o over par

• estar por debajo de la par = to be under o below par

• caminaban a la par = they were walking alongside each other, they were walking side by side

Buena respuesta. - annierats, Oct 17, 2012

Thanks Mariana. Looking at this list, I am seeing a rough rule of thumb that says if par = two, pair, couple etc. then use un. If par = side-by-side, parallel, same level - i.e. does not relate to a numerical value, then use una - J_G_Duff, Oct 18, 2012