lips apart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lips apart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical state where someone's lips are not closed, often implying that they are slightly open, which can convey various emotions or actions. Example: "She stood there, her lips apart in surprise as she processed the shocking news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

She listened with her head inclined and her painted lips apart".

The New York Times - Books

The quintessential 1940s model vamped for the camera, legs together, lips apart.

The New York Times

Turning toward the cameras, she offered up her signature look — the head tilted slightly, lips apart, as if she had just blown a kiss.

The New York Times

They allege that the mouth holds the key, despite the fact that a mere turning of the head can draw the lips apart.

The Guardian - Opinion

Then come the observations of the three faux-shocked millennials as they giggle at the gloriously inappropriate language: "She pulled her lips apart and found her hotspot," reads Morton.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A total of 140 instances were identified composed of eye blinks, brow lowerer, jaw drops, lips apart, lip corner puller, and lip suck.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"As we stand shoulder-to-shoulder, doing our bit, stiff upper lip – apart from when you're screaming out the lyrics to Noble England".

The Guardian - Music

"I'm doing my bit, just like every other Englishman, as we stand shoulder-to-shoulder, doing our bit, stiff upper-lip – apart from when you're screaming out the lyrics to Noble England".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Guthrie's face blinked at her. Pell watched his thin, bright lips pull apart.

The New Yorker

In other positions, more like the 'v' in 'very', with lips slightly apart c before a, o, u, like the 'c' in 'coast'coast

The Guardian - Travel

Thus both the p in pin and that in spin are voiceless bilabial stops, but they differ in that the glottis remains in a voiceless position for a short time after the release of the bilabial stop in pin, whereas in spin the voicing starts as soon as the lips come apart.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lips apart" to subtly suggest emotions like surprise, anticipation, or vulnerability in descriptive writing. It adds a layer of detail to character portrayal.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "lips apart" when describing characters speaking. Vary your descriptions to prevent monotony and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lips apart" functions primarily as a descriptive element, typically modifying a subject within a sentence. It describes a physical characteristic, often used to convey subtle emotional states or actions. As Ludwig AI explains, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lips apart" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, it serves as a descriptive element to portray subtle emotions or physical states. While various alternatives exist, like "mouth slightly open" or ""lips slightly parted"", "lips apart" provides a specific visual detail, suitable for diverse writing styles. When employing this phrase, consider the context and aim for variety in your descriptions to avoid monotony. It's important to note, as Ludwig AI also clarifies, the accuracy of this assessment is based on a comprehensive analysis of numerous real-world examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lips slightly parted

Emphasizes the subtle separation of the lips.

with parted lips

A more descriptive and formal way of saying "lips apart".

mouth slightly open

Focuses on the mouth's opening rather than specifically the lips.

mouth ajar

Describes the mouth as being slightly open, often implying surprise or shock.

lips separate

A more direct and literal description of the lips not touching.

lips unsealed

Suggests the lips are no longer closed or pressed together.

open-mouthed

Describes a state where the mouth is noticeably open, potentially due to surprise or awe.

with a slight gape

Focuses on the opening or gape of the mouth.

slack-jawed

Implies a more extreme state of the mouth being open, usually due to astonishment.

jaw dropped

Indicates surprise and often includes the mouth being open.

FAQs

How can I describe someone's expression using "lips apart"?

"Lips apart" can indicate surprise, anticipation, or even a moment of vulnerability. For instance, "Her "lips slightly parted" as she heard the news" suggests shock or disbelief.

What does it mean when someone's "lips slightly parted"?

When someone's "lips slightly parted", it can suggest a range of emotions from surprise and anticipation to vulnerability or even a hint of sensuality. The specific context is crucial in interpreting the meaning.

What are some visual cues to use besides "lips apart" when describing someone's surprise?

Alternatives include "mouth ajar", "widened eyes", or even a simple "raised eyebrows". These cues can paint a vivid picture of surprise without relying solely on the mouth.

Is it better to say "lips apart" or "mouth slightly open"?

Both "lips apart" and "mouth slightly open" are acceptable, but "lips apart" is more specific and can convey a more nuanced emotion. "Mouth slightly open" is a more general description.