shoulder pads for

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   A way of saying what shoulder pads are used for or intended to do.

   Grammar: Pattern: shoulder pads for + noun or -ing form (for warmth, for protection).

   Patterns

   • shoulder pads for something
   • shoulder pads for doing something

   The question 'What are shoulder pads for?' asks about the purpose of the padding worn under the shoulders.

   In American football, shoulder pads are for protecting the shoulders and chest from hard hits.

   These vintage jackets have big shoulder pads for a strong, boxy silhouette.

2. 2nounplural

   Padded pieces worn on the shoulders, especially in sports or to shape clothing.

   Grammar: Usually plural; a single piece is 'a shoulder pad'.

   Patterns

   • wear shoulder pads
   • football shoulder pads

   Football players put on their shoulder pads before the game.

   Eighties fashion made shoulder pads popular in women's jackets.

   The costume came with foam shoulder pads to make him look broader.

Common combinations

what are ... for

What are shoulder pads for? They spread the force of a tackle.

shoulder pads for protection

Hockey players wear shoulder pads for protection against sticks and pucks.

shoulder pads for warmth

Her winter coat has thick shoulder pads for warmth.

football shoulder pads

He hung his football shoulder pads in the locker.

a pair of shoulder pads

She bought a pair of shoulder pads for the school play.

Synonyms and how they differ

padding

A general word for soft material used to protect or shape; it can be anywhere on the body, not just the shoulders.

shoulder padding

Very close in meaning, but often refers to the material inside a garment rather than separate sports gear.

Word family

shoulder pad noun

The singular form: one padded piece worn on a shoulder.

Commonly confused: shoulder pads for or shoulder blade?

Practice

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