kiss

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kiss" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as expressing affection or as a verb in a sentence. Example: "She leaned in to give him a quick kiss before leaving for work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What was the best kiss of your life?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In fact Morgan has said he suspects that Blair's account of what was said when he went to kiss hands with the Queen in 1997 – recalled in his recent memoir, The Journey – was actually taken from Morgan's film The Queen - although Blair has denied this.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Obviously, it was a very controversial kiss, and DreamWorks felt it was out of context without being part of the overall movie".

The Guardian - Film

Or imagine if they were Roberto Benigni, and they started clambering around on their furniture like Mammy Two Shoes from Tom and Jerry and then bellowed out a torrent of obviously too enthusiastic "I want to kiss everybody!

The Guardian

A Martini must be freshly made – "You can no more keep a Martini in the refrigerator than you can keep a kiss" – and he counsels against making them too strong: a Martini should make you believe that "at any moment we may see the unicorn.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He is said to have told them: "Kiss my arse".

The Guardian - Opinion

We were all quite shy girls and not that popular at home, so we thought that abroad we could get tanned and kiss boys.

The Guardian - Film

It's a gap that exposes homophobia as not just something that makes someone drag you behind a truck, but as a sickness that can make someone kiss and then kill – simply because someone didn't want their secret to get out.

The Guardian - Opinion

Is the moniker 'Putin's official DJ' a sought-after crown or the kiss of death for an electronic musician living in Russia?

The Guardian

'The only man in my team who has to hold a cross is the goalkeeper.' Inside Old Trafford he was big as the Pontiff in the Vatican, yet he had been known to kneel quite unselfconsciously inside his own boardroom to kiss the hand of a visiting bishop.

The Guardian - Sport

For Bale, the night ended with him planting a kiss on the side of the trophy.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "kiss" in writing, consider the context and choose the most appropriate synonym if you need to vary your language. Alternatives like "peck", "smooch", or "buss" can add nuance.

Common error

While "kiss" is a common word, avoid overusing it in formal or professional writing. Opt for more sophisticated terms like "osculate" or descriptive phrases like "exchange affection" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "kiss" functions primarily as both a verb, denoting the act of touching with the lips, and a noun, referring to the touch itself. Ludwig AI examples show its use in diverse contexts, from expressing affection to describing a light contact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "kiss" is a versatile term with a dual function as a verb and a noun, widely recognized and used across various contexts to express affection, greeting, or a simple touch. As shown in Ludwig AI, its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both informal and formal settings. Although very common in News & Media, it has little usage in Science, Encyclopedias, or Formal & Business settings. When employing "kiss" in your writing, remember to consider the context and opt for synonyms like "peck" or "smooch" when appropriate to add nuance and avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exchange a kiss

Emphasizes the act of two people kissing each other.

peck

Refers to a quick, light kiss.

smooch

Implies a more prolonged and affectionate kiss.

plant a kiss

Describes placing a kiss firmly and deliberately.

buss

A somewhat old-fashioned term for a kiss.

give a peck on the cheek

Specifies the location of a quick, light kiss.

brush lips

Describes a very light and brief contact of the lips.

osculate

A formal or literary term for kissing.

blow a kiss

To send a kiss through the air, typically with a hand gesture.

air kiss

Simulates a kiss by bringing the face close and kissing the air near someone's cheek.

FAQs

How can I use "kiss" in a sentence?

You can use "kiss" as a verb, such as "She leaned in to kiss him", or as a noun, such as "He gave her a kiss on the forehead".

What can I say instead of "kiss"?

You can use alternatives like "peck", "smooch", or "buss" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "give a kiss" or "give kiss"?

"Give a kiss" is the correct and more common usage. The article "a" is necessary when "kiss" is used as a countable noun.

What's the difference between "kiss" and "hug"?

"Kiss" involves touching someone with your lips as a sign of affection or greeting, while "hug" involves wrapping your arms around someone closely.