lifted my head

USAGE SUMMARY

"lifted my head" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase usually implies the act of lifting one's head in response to a sound, thought, or feeling. For example, "I lifted my head when I heard the sound of the church bell."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

I lifted my head.

The New Yorker

I lifted my head from the pillow.

The Guardian - Books

I lifted my head over the back seat.

The New Yorker

So I lifted my head and I stood up.

The New York Times

I lifted my head and looked on tiptoe through the security peephole.

The New Yorker

When I lifted my head, I felt the stress of playing bumper cars.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Sometimes I can't lift my head".

The New York Times

"I couldn't move, I couldn't lift my head".

The New York Times

I say a prayer, lift my head when done.

The New Yorker

I just remember being in my stance and trying to lift my head up, and it was excruciating".

The New York Times - Sports

I stumbled through weeks of sadness, unable to lift my head.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lifted my head" to vividly describe a character's reaction or change in attention in narrative writing.

Common error

Avoid using "lifted my head" when a simpler term like "looked up" suffices. The phrase is most effective when emphasizing the effort or deliberate nature of raising one's head.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lifted my head" functions as a verb phrase within a narrative, typically describing a physical action performed by the speaker. This indicates a shift in attention or awareness. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts to denote a deliberate act of raising one's head.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

4%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lifted my head" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, particularly in narrative writing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, emphasizing its role in describing a physical action that often signifies a change in attention or awareness. While alternatives like "looked up" exist, "lifted my head" brings a specific nuance, highlighting the effort or deliberate nature of the action. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register, fitting seamlessly into various writing styles. Remember to consider the context and intended emphasis when choosing between "lifted my head" and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raised my head

Direct synonym, simply uses "raised" instead of "lifted".

looked up

Implies lifting the head to direct gaze upward.

glanced up

Suggests a quick, brief lifting of the head.

peered up

Indicates lifting the head to look more closely or with difficulty.

looked over

Suggests raising the head to look sideways or to a different direction.

turned my head

Focuses on the action of turning the head, not necessarily lifting it.

inclined my head

Suggests a slight, subtle lifting or tilting of the head.

cocked my head

Implies tilting the head to one side, often in curiosity or confusion.

straightened up

Suggests returning to an upright position, which may include lifting the head.

sat up

Indicates moving from a lying or reclined position to a seated one, involving lifting the upper body and head.

FAQs

How can I use "lifted my head" in a sentence?

The phrase "lifted my head" is typically used to describe the action of raising one's head, often in response to something. For example, "I "lifted my head" when I heard the noise".

What are some alternatives to "lifted my head"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "raised my head", "looked up", or "glanced up".

Is it more appropriate to say "lifted my head" or "raised my head"?

Both "lifted my head" and "raised my head" are grammatically correct and can often be used interchangeably. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is "lifted my head" most effective?

The phrase "lifted my head" is most effective when you want to emphasize the effort or intention behind the action of raising one's head, rather than simply stating that someone looked up.