a gaping orifice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a gaping orifice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts that describe an opening or cavity, often in a vivid or graphic manner. Example: "The horror movie featured a creature with a gaping orifice that seemed to swallow everything in its path."

✓ Grammatically correct

Arts

Media

Pornography

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Elsewhere, the tunnels stretch out into gaping orifices, supercharged wormholes ready to suck you into a parallel dimension.

The Guardian - Arts

He's quite right – as I walk around the desks towards the warehouse, there are golden phalluses and gaping orifices strewn about like desk tidies.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Russell and Audeoud, who paint large canvasses inspired by Grünewald, but with lots more gaping orifices, are one of the early favourites for the prize, the richer little sister of the Turner Prize.

The Guardian

The close-up shots of gaping orifices, awkward dialogue, and bland elevator muzac that is so often associated with porn does not scream high art to most people.

Vice

There is a gaping lack of statistics.

The Economist

"There is a gaping hole that exists.

The New York Times

"This is a gaping hole".

The New York Times

It left a gaping hole.

The New York Times

A flood of new trusts would create a gaping hole.

The Economist

However, there is a gaping flaw.

The Guardian

They escaped through a gaping hole in the fuselage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To soften the impact, consider using alternative phrases like “a wide opening” or “an expansive cavity” /s/wide+opening

Common error

Avoid using "a gaping orifice" in formal writing unless the context specifically requires such a vivid and potentially vulgar description. Opt for more neutral terms like "opening" or "cavity" /s/cavity in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a gaping orifice" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. The adjective "gaping" intensifies the noun "orifice", emphasizing the size and often unpleasant nature of the opening. Ludwig AI indicates it describes openings/cavities.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a gaping orifice" is a descriptive noun phrase used to vividly portray a large and often unpleasant opening. While grammatically correct, its potential for vulgarity makes it unsuitable for formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its primary function is descriptive. Consider alternative phrases like "wide opening" to soften the impact in sensitive settings. Ludwig shows its utilization across news, arts, and science, advising users to exercise caution given its graphic nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wide opening

Replaces 'gaping' with a more general adjective, softening the visual impact.

a large aperture

Uses a more technical term for 'opening', suitable for scientific or engineering contexts.

a cavernous hole

Emphasizes the size and depth of the opening, suggesting a cave-like quality.

a massive void

Focuses on the emptiness or lack of content within the opening.

a yawning chasm

Suggests a deep and potentially dangerous opening.

an expansive cavity

Emphasizes the size and enclosed nature of the opening.

a bottomless pit

Implies an opening of infinite depth, often used metaphorically.

a huge abyss

Similar to 'bottomless pit', but with a more dramatic and often metaphorical connotation.

a considerable breach

Indicates a significant break or rupture, rather than a natural opening.

a sizable gap

A more neutral and less evocative way to describe an opening.

FAQs

How can I use "a gaping orifice" in a sentence?

You can use "a gaping orifice" to describe a large and often unsettling opening, such as "The monster had "a gaping orifice" where its mouth should have been." Be mindful of the context due to its potentially vulgar nature.

What can I say instead of "a gaping orifice"?

You can use alternatives like "a wide opening", "a large aperture", or "a cavernous hole" depending on the desired level of intensity and formality.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a gaping orifice"?

The phrase is appropriate when a vivid and somewhat disturbing description of an opening is desired, such as in horror writing or certain types of art criticism. However, it's generally unsuitable for formal or sensitive contexts.

What is the difference between "a gaping orifice" and "a wide opening"?

"A gaping orifice" suggests a larger, more unsettling, and potentially disturbing opening. "A wide opening" is a more neutral and less intense description.