at your teeth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at your teeth" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not a standard expression and may confuse readers, as it lacks context and clarity. Example: "The dentist said I need to take better care of my teeth, but I can't help but feel like he's always looking at your teeth."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Cut away at your teeth, and you get no second chance.

The New York Times

Sighs that come up from your big toe and, after hammering ineffectually at your teeth for admission, sink back defeated.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Who among us hasn't had this thought, as a dentist industriously and cheerfully chisels and scrapes and drills away at your teeth: surely there is a better way?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At your teeth.

Forbes

It's different from most electric toothbrushes, which vibrate and sometimes shoot water at your teeth, but still rely on toothpaste to help remove plaque.

TechCrunch

This is crucial, people -- not just for taking pictures, but for discrete glances at your teeth after eating something with spinach, cilantro, or parsley.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Mouthwash kills bacteria and can contain elements aimed at strengthening your teeth.

WikiHow

You don't want him to look at your yellow teeth.

WikiHow

The one-two sugar punch could actually floor you (or at least make your teeth hurt).

The New York Times - Food

He told him to smile at helpers "until your teeth hurt".

BBC

At least brush your teeth first, she'd said.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing dental care or issues, use more precise language such as "on your teeth" or "in your mouth" to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying, "The water pick aims at your teeth," say, "The water pick aims the stream of water on your teeth."

Common error

Avoid using the preposition "at" when describing actions or locations directly involving teeth. "At" often implies a direction or general area, whereas "on" or "in" specifies a surface or contained space. Therefore, prefer using phrases like "plaque on your teeth" or "food particles in your mouth" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at your teeth" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English, but still is somewhat used in News, Wiki and other sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

61%

News & Media

39%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at your teeth" is a prepositional phrase that, according to Ludwig AI, lacks a clear and standard meaning. While it appears in some sources, particularly Wiki and News & Media, its grammatical correctness is questionable. It's better to opt for clearer alternatives like "on your teeth" or "in your mouth" to avoid ambiguity. When writing, be mindful of prepositional usage and choose precise language to ensure effective communication about dental health and related topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on your teeth

This alternative specifies the location of something, such as plaque or food particles, directly on the teeth.

in your mouth

This broadens the scope from just the teeth to the entire oral cavity.

towards your teeth

This suggests movement or direction in relation to the teeth.

regarding your teeth

This introduces a topic of conversation or concern about dental health.

for your teeth

This indicates a purpose or benefit aimed at dental health.

concerning your teeth

Similar to 'regarding,' but slightly more formal.

affecting your teeth

Focuses on the impact or influence on dental health.

aimed at your teeth

Describes something specifically designed to target the teeth.

touching your teeth

This refers to something making contact with the teeth.

near your teeth

This indicates proximity without direct contact.

FAQs

What does "at your teeth" mean?

The phrase "at your teeth" is not a standard English expression and its meaning can be unclear without additional context. It often implies a direction or focus toward the teeth rather than being directly on or in them.

What can I say instead of "at your teeth"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "on your teeth" to indicate something is located on the surface of the teeth, or "in your mouth" if referring to something within the oral cavity.

Is it grammatically correct to say "at your teeth"?

While "at your teeth" appears in some contexts, it is not considered standard English and may sound awkward or unclear. More precise prepositions like "on" or "in" are generally preferred for describing things related to teeth.

How can I use "at your teeth" correctly in a sentence?

It's best to avoid using "at your teeth" and instead opt for clearer alternatives. For example, instead of "The dentist looked at your teeth", say "The dentist looked "at your mouth"" or "The dentist examined the teeth".