lips curled

USAGE SUMMARY

"lips curled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a facial expression of amusement, satisfaction, or disdain. For example, "The model's lips curled into a smirk as she stepped onto the runway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

His lips curled into a sneer.

The New York Times

McConnell's lips curled into a smirk.

The Washington Post

Eminem's features softened and his lips curled into a smile.

The New York Times - Arts

But he backs away, lips curled, then turns and runs, pursued by some host of invisibles.

University of California, Berkeley

Or the professor who grills a squirming, clueless student, lips curled in a small, savage smile.

The New York Times

They both tapped inquisitively at a gray cannister with a pink, rubbery filling, their lips curled.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Then he paused, his lips curling into a smile.

The New York Times - Sports

He laughs once more, his moist lips curling into grin.

The New Yorker

"Do you believe in redistribution?" he asks suspiciously, his lips curling in contempt.

The New York Times

"Is it something important?" His closed lips curling slightly, Sasaki nodded.

The New Yorker

I closed my eyes and felt the corners of my lips curl.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lips curled" to subtly convey emotions like amusement, disdain, or smugness through a character's facial expression.

Common error

Relying too heavily on "lips curled" can make your writing repetitive. Vary your descriptions of facial expressions to keep the narrative engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lips curled" functions as a descriptive verb phrase, typically used to illustrate a character's subtle emotional state through their facial expression. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, providing examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lips curled" is a descriptive verb phrase used to subtly convey a character's emotional state. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and notes its usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and literature. While alternatives like "a smirk crossed their face" or "a smile played on their lips" exist, "lips curled" provides a specific nuance of controlled amusement or disdain. To avoid repetitiveness, consider varying your descriptions of facial expressions. Its register is generally neutral, fitting comfortably in both formal and informal writing. While the phrase is not extremely common, its descriptive power makes it a valuable tool for writers aiming to portray subtle emotions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a smirk crossed their face

Suggests smugness or self-satisfaction.

a sneer formed on their face

Emphasizes disdain or contempt more strongly.

a smile played on their lips

Focuses on the presence of a smile, rather than the specific action of curling.

the corners of their mouth lifted

Focuses on a slight smile or amusement.

their mouth twisted

Indicates a contorted expression, not necessarily amusement or disdain.

their lips turned up

A more neutral expression, simply indicating an upward movement of the lips.

their face broke into a grin

Expresses a broader, more enthusiastic smile.

their lips tightened

Conveys tension or disapproval.

their lips pursed

Suggests disapproval or contemplation.

their expression soured

Indicates displeasure or disappointment.

FAQs

How can I use "lips curled" in a sentence?

You can use "lips curled" to describe a subtle facial expression that conveys amusement, disdain, or other emotions. For example, "His "lips curled" into a sneer as he read the negative review".

What's the difference between "lips curled" and "lips twisted"?

"Lips curled" often suggests a controlled or subtle expression of amusement or disdain, while "lips twisted" implies a more contorted or involuntary expression, potentially indicating pain or disgust.

What are some alternative ways to describe a similar expression to "lips curled"?

Alternatives include "a smirk crossed their face", "a smile played on their lips", or "their mouth twisted" depending on the specific emotion you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "lip curled" instead of "lips curled"?

While grammatically possible if only one lip is moving, "lips curled" is more common because the expression usually involves both lips. Using "lip curled" might sound awkward unless you specifically intend to describe the movement of a single lip.