lip service

USAGE SUMMARY

'lip service' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an idiom that is used to describe an insincere or superficial display of interest, appreciation or respect. For example, "Though she promised to help me with the project, all I got was lip service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's lip service.

The New York Times

It's lip service entirely.

The Washington Post

Just lip service".

The New York Times

No more lip service.

The Guardian

It's not just lip service.

The New York Times

They paid us lip service.

The New York Times - Food

Don't just pay lip service.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Paying lip service is easy.

The Guardian - Opinion

It paid lip service to prudence.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Every new government pays them lip-service.

The Economist

Also, ignore all "open networks" lip-service.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lip service" when you want to criticize someone for saying they support something but not actually doing anything to help.

Common error

Don't assume that someone who gives "lip service" to a cause is truly committed to it. Look for concrete actions, not just words.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lip service" functions as a noun, typically used to describe an insincere expression of support or agreement. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies a discrepancy between words and actions. For example, someone might pay "lip service" to diversity without implementing meaningful changes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lip service" is a common noun phrase used to describe insincere expressions of support or agreement, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's prevalent in News & Media and Academic contexts, indicating a discrepancy between words and actions. While grammatically correct and widely understood, its register is generally neutral. The phrase serves to criticize or express skepticism, urging one to look beyond mere words and examine concrete actions. Therefore, being wary of "lip service" ensures a more discerning and critical perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

empty promises

Focuses on the act of making promises without intending to fulfill them.

hollow words

Emphasizes the lack of substance or sincerity in spoken words.

token gesture

Refers to a symbolic action that is insufficient or perfunctory.

insincere flattery

Highlights the insincerity behind praise or compliments.

insincere expression

Highlights that the expression of the idea is not sincere.

superficial agreement

Indicates agreement that lacks depth or genuine commitment.

perfunctory effort

Emphasizes the lack of genuine effort or enthusiasm in performing a task.

false pretense

Implies a deliberate attempt to deceive through outward appearances.

mere formality

Highlights the performance of an action simply to satisfy requirements, without real intent.

ostensible compliance

Suggests outward adherence to rules or standards without genuine commitment.

FAQs

How to use "lip service" in a sentence?

You can use "lip service" to indicate that someone is expressing support or agreement without taking any real action. For example: "The politician paid "lip service" to environmental issues, but his voting record tells a different story."

What's the difference between "lip service" and hypocrisy?

"Lip service" refers to expressing support without acting on it, while hypocrisy involves acting in a way that contradicts one's stated beliefs. "Lip service" is a form of hypocrisy, but hypocrisy can also manifest in other ways.

What can I say instead of "lip service"?

You can use alternatives like "empty promises", "hollow words", or "token gesture" depending on the context.

Is "lip service" always negative?

Yes, the term "lip service" typically carries a negative connotation, as it implies insincerity or a lack of genuine commitment. It suggests that someone is merely paying "lip service" to an idea or cause.