a pair of lips

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pair of lips" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to someone's lips as a physical feature. For example, "He had a pair of lips that were always curved into a smile."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

New post: a pair of lips, shining wetly.

The New Yorker

The screen filled with the band's logo, a pair of lips, and an animated woman.

The New York Times

Put a pair of lips on the heart and that's what Shirley sounded like".

The Guardian - Music

A puff of air, a pulse of the lungs, rushes up the windpipe and through the vocal cords, parting them like a pair of lips.

The New Yorker

But new research out of Toronto seeks to challenge depictions of the Tyrannosaurus rex, suggesting that its fearsome incisors might have been hidden behind a pair of lips.

The Guardian

She glanced up at me, two green swimming eyes above a pair of lips pursed at the straw of her drink.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

No one wants to see some sad sack drive through Idaho trying to sell a smokeless ashtray but they love seeing two dudes get up trying to sell a pair of lip balms that mix to create different flavors because these guys have seen so many entrepreneurs do their little dance on stage that they think they have a chance.

TechCrunch

Why care about a pair of lip syncing men who won, then lost, a Grammy 24 years ago?

Huffington Post

Clicks are generated by the forcing of air through a pair of phonic lips (also known as "monkey lips" or "museau de singe") at the front end of the nose, just below the blowhole.

Wikipedia

She may be the first woman to get to deliver an action hero's smirk, and with that mouth of hers -- a pair of pillowy lips made for the big screen -- a slight upturn of a corner becomes a shout-out of derision.

The New York Times

A pair of sultry lips hovers at top right.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's physical appearance, use "a pair of lips" to add detail and imagery. This phrase is particularly effective when conveying emotions or personality through their expression.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "a pair of lips" to describe characters. Vary your descriptions by focusing on other facial features or using more figurative language to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pair of lips" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in describing a specific facial feature, drawing from diverse examples to illustrate its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a pair of lips" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase in the English language. According to Ludwig AI, it functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving to describe or reference the physical feature of lips. Its applications span from descriptive writing in news and media to general contexts found in wikis. While versatile, varying your descriptive vocabulary can enhance writing quality. This phrase is generally appropriate for neutral registers and serves to add detail and imagery. This analysis is supported by numerous examples from credible sources, affirming its widespread acceptance and usability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two lips

Emphasizes the number of lips, focusing on the quantity rather than the aesthetic or function.

mouth

Broader term encompassing the lips and the oral cavity, shifting the focus from a specific feature to the entire structure.

labial pair

More technical or anatomical term for lips, suitable for scientific or medical contexts.

pouting lips

Highlights a specific expression or shape of the lips, adding an emotional or descriptive element.

kissing lips

Focuses on the function of lips related to kissing, implying affection or romance.

full lips

Describes the size and shape of the lips, emphasizing their volume and attractiveness.

thin lips

Describes the size and shape of the lips, emphasizing their lack of volume.

bow-shaped lips

Describes the shape of the lips, likening them to a bow and arrow.

well-defined lips

Highlights the clear and distinct outline of the lips, often associated with beauty or attractiveness.

vermilion border

Refers to the colored part of the lips, focusing on a specific anatomical feature.

FAQs

How can I use "a pair of lips" in a sentence?

You can use "a pair of lips" to describe someone's physical appearance, their expression, or their act of speaking. For instance, "A pair of lips curved into a smile as she listened to the story".

What are some alternatives to "a pair of lips"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "mouth", "pouting lips", or "full lips" to describe the same feature with different nuances.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a pair of lips"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Pair" is used to denote two items that are typically used together, and in this case, it refers to the two lips that form a mouth.

What is the difference between saying "a mouth" and "a pair of lips"?

"A mouth" refers to the entire opening used for eating and speaking, while "a pair of lips" specifically highlights the fleshy parts surrounding the mouth, often emphasizing their shape, expression, or function in speech and kissing.