Scissors is a classic example of a noun that looks plural and behaves plural, even when it refers to one object. In standard English, we usually treat it as plural in agreement, so it takes plural verbs and plural demonstratives like these and those.
That is because the tool is made of two joined blades that work together. English has several everyday nouns for items with two connected parts, and many of them are “plural only” in normal use.
- Correct: “These scissors are dull.”
- Correct: “Where are my scissors?”
- Less natural: “This scissor is dull.” (Usually avoided in general writing.)
If you need a singular form, English typically uses a pair of plus a singular verb, because pair is the head noun.
- Singular option: “A pair of scissors is on the desk.”
- Plural quantity: “Two pairs of scissors are in the drawer.”
This pattern also shows up with words like pants, glasses, and tongs. When you are writing, choose the form that matches what you mean: plural agreement for the item itself, or a pair of when you want a clear singular.
