lips pressed together

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lips pressed together" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a person's expression of restraint, disapproval, or contemplation. Example: She stood silently, her lips pressed together in thought. Alternative expressions include "lips sealed" and "lips tightly closed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Her lips pressed together; she seemed nonplussed.

The New Yorker

She was taking off every stitch in front of him, head bowed, lips pressed together, then moistened with her tongue.

The New Yorker

Like a child refusing his medicine, Andrew Golota stubbornly kept his lips pressed together as his trainer Lou Duva tried to force Golota's mouthpiece back into his mouth.

The New York Times - Sports

The way Max Records plays him — with darting eyes, and lips pressed together in rage — the boy has no idea that anyone's feelings but his own could be real.

The New Yorker

He had a long, ascetic face, large ears, shy but curious eyes, and a wide-lipped mouth, "a mouth with a lot of Capricorn in it," as he later said of my mouth, by which he meant, I think, that it had an openness but also a resolve in the way the lips pressed together at the corners.

The New Yorker

A crusading young congressman (a thinner Ben Affleck, with lips pressed together in resolute determination) is investigating a Blackwater-type private security company when his chief researcher, who is also his mistress, is pushed in front of an oncoming subway train.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Her lips press together and she stiffens herself within, growing wooden, silent.

The New Yorker

Would his mouth open with the glottal C sound or would his lips press together to make an M? Or L, for my book's first word?

Huffington Post

Anger exhibits itself when eyebrows lower, lips press together firmly, and eyes bulge.[4].

WikiHow

If you're puckering so much that the insides of your lips press together, you're overdoing it.

WikiHow

Duva jumped in Golota's way, trying to force Golota's mouthpiece into the fighter's mouth, but Golota kept his lips firmly pressed together.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lips pressed together" to subtly convey a character's internal state, such as suppressed anger, resolve, or deep thought, without explicitly stating their feelings. It's more impactful to show, not tell.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly describing characters' "lips pressed together" during dialogue. It can become repetitive and distracting. Instead, vary your descriptions of facial expressions and body language to keep the writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lips pressed together" primarily functions as a descriptive element, adding detail to character portrayals or scene settings. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is frequently used to convey emotions without explicitly naming them. This descriptive function is supported by numerous examples of expressive literature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lips pressed together" emerges as a versatile descriptive element, commonly found in news, media, and various forms of descriptive writing. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that the phrase effectively conveys a range of emotions such as restraint, determination, or suppressed anger, primarily functioning to enhance character portrayals and scene settings. While the expression itself is grammatically sound, overuse in dialogue should be avoided to prevent repetition. The most authoritative sources are "The New Yorker", "The New York Times", "Huffington Post", and "WikiHow". Alternative phrases like "lips tightly sealed" and "mouth clamped shut" can add nuance. Overall, the expression "lips pressed together" is useful in descriptive writing for conveying nonverbal cues and adding depth to character portrayal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tight-lipped

Highlights the reluctance to speak or reveal information.

lips tightly sealed

Emphasizes a deliberate holding back of words or emotions.

mouth clamped shut

Suggests a more forceful and resistant closure of the mouth.

lips pursed

Implies disapproval or thoughtfulness.

jaw set

Focuses on the jaw muscles, indicating determination or tension.

lips drawn into a thin line

Describes the physical appearance of the lips when tightened, often indicating disapproval.

a firm set to the mouth

Indicates determination or resolve through the tightening of mouth muscles.

grim expression

Indicates a general unhappy or serious mood, related through facial expression.

keeping mum

Focuses on the act of remaining silent, often intentionally.

resolute expression

Conveys a firm and determined attitude, reflected in the face.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone has their "lips pressed together"?

It generally indicates that a person is feeling some kind of restraint, disapproval, or is in deep thought. It can also mean they are trying to hide their true feelings or are determined about something.

What can I say instead of "lips pressed together"?

You can use alternatives like "lips tightly sealed", "mouth clamped shut", or "lips pursed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "lips pressed together" a common expression?

Yes, "lips pressed together" is a relatively common expression, especially in descriptive writing. It's used to convey a specific nonverbal cue.

Can "lips pressed together" indicate a positive emotion?

While it often suggests negative or neutral emotions like disapproval or thoughtfulness, "lips pressed together" can, in some contexts, suggest determination or focus, which might be related to pursuing a goal.