lips slightly parted

USAGE SUMMARY

"lips slightly parted" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a person's expression, often conveying emotion or anticipation. Example: "She stood there, her lips slightly parted in surprise." Alternative expressions include "lips gently parted" and "lips softly parted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

A beautiful twentysomething woman in a tight black skirt stared at the camera, lips slightly parted.

The Guardian

He then went to the Falcons' game thread on his computer, eyes narrowing, lips slightly parted in anticipation.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ideal images also include the runner's face and shoulders relaxed, eyes gazing into the distance, lips slightly parted.

The New York Times

"Why do you twist about like that every so often?" She looked at Samsa with her lips slightly parted.

The New Yorker

With sensuous lips slightly parted and a concentrated gaze angled down and to the side, he has a Buddha-like air of introspection.

The New York Times - Arts

Two huge eyes were staring at me, painted onto a great, imposing fake head, lips slightly parted as if mildly surprised.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Once your lips are slightly parted, you should push out your bottom lip as if you have an underbite or are going to blow the smoke right up to your eyebrows or forehead.

WikiHow

Her lips are slightly parted.

The New York Times - Arts

She was able to stay submerged for what seemed like minutes at a time, and she managed to hold her breath in such a way that her face didn't become distorted; her eyes were open, but did not bulge; her lips were slightly parted, but expelled no bubbles.

The New York Times

The lips are slightly parted.

Wikipedia

The lips are slightly parted without revealing the teeth.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lips slightly parted" to convey a sense of anticipation, surprise, or thoughtfulness in character descriptions. It's a subtle way to add depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid describing characters' "lips slightly parted" during high-action or intense scenes, as it can detract from the urgency and realism. Reserve this description for moments of stillness or contemplation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lips slightly parted" functions primarily as a descriptive element, adding detail to character portrayals or scene settings. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used to depict subtle emotional states, such as surprise or anticipation. It enhances imagery by specifying a particular facial expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lips slightly parted" serves as a valuable descriptive phrase, often used to subtly convey a character's emotional state, whether it be surprise, anticipation, or thoughtfulness. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and appears in diverse contexts such as News & Media and Wiki. While relatively infrequent in overall usage, its impact lies in the vivid imagery it creates. To enhance writing, consider using this phrase to add depth to character portrayals, but avoid overuse, especially in scenes requiring heightened action. Alternatives include "mouth ajar" or "lips gently parted".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lips subtly parted

Uses "subtly" to underscore the slightness of the parting.

lips gently parted

Uses "gently" to emphasize a soft and delicate separation.

lips a little separated

Highlights the separation aspect with a simple description.

lips parted just a bit

Emphasizes the small degree of separation in the lips.

lips just barely open

Emphasizes the minimal opening of the lips.

slight gap between lips

Focuses on the presence of a small gap between the lips.

mouth ajar

Focuses on the degree of openness of the mouth.

mouth slightly open

Broader description focusing on the mouth's openness rather than the lips specifically.

lips almost touching

Highlights the proximity of the lips, nearly closed.

mouth agape slightly

Similar to mouth ajar, but focuses on a sense of wonder or surprise.

FAQs

How can I use "lips slightly parted" in a sentence?

The phrase "lips slightly parted" is typically used to describe a facial expression. For example, "Her lips were slightly parted as she listened intently to the speaker."

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

Slightly parted lips can indicate a range of emotions, including surprise, anticipation, or a thoughtful state. The context of the situation is crucial in interpreting the expression.

Are there alternative ways to describe someone's lips being slightly open?

Yes, you could use phrases like "mouth ajar", "lips gently parted", or "mouth slightly open" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "lips slightly parted" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "lips slightly parted" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the overall tone and style of the writing than on the phrase itself.