lips twisted

USAGE SUMMARY

"lips twisted" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a facial expression where the lips are pulled or contorted in a certain way. Example: "She stood there with her lips twisted in a sneer, unimpressed by his attempts to apologize." This sentence shows the use of "lips twisted" to convey a negative or scornful expression.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

His mouth is wide, the lips twisted by a bitter, self-mocking irony.

The New Yorker

His father demolishing an argument for the existence of God, his lips twisted in scorn.

The New Yorker

His lips twisted into an expression that opponents quickly branded "the smirk".

The New York Times

I recognized the tight pinch of her mouth, how her lips twisted.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Her eyes were big, her nose small, and her lips twisted a little to one side, like a skinny moon.

The New Yorker

He is actually Rumpelstiltskin (Walt Dohrn), the Brothers Grimm trickster, with spiky red hair and larcenous eyes rolled up to the sky, his thin lips twisted into a malevolent smirk.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Why did his shoulders squinch together and his floppy lips twist up at the corners?

The New Yorker

She lurches, bumps, and grinds; she curls her lips, twists her neck, wags her wide tongue.

The New Yorker

When he talks, his lips twist slightly to the side and his voice comes out low and woolly, like a crooner's at a speakeasy.

The New Yorker

I swear I can see him, from a distance, perking up when he spots me coming down the hill, his lips twisting into a malicious, snaggle-toothed grin, as he unfurls his fingers and screams, "PEACE!

Vice

And why is his lip twisted?

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lips twisted" to vividly depict a character's internal state, adding depth to their portrayal. Ensure the context aligns with the emotion or intention being conveyed.

Common error

Avoid using "lips twisted" when a simpler term like 'frowning' or 'smiling' would suffice. The phrase is most effective when conveying a specific, often complex, emotional state that cannot be captured by more generic expressions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lips twisted" functions as a descriptive element, adding detail to portray a character's expression. It emphasizes a nuanced emotional state, suggesting a feeling that isn't straightforward like happiness or sadness. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "lips twisted" is a valuable tool for descriptive writing, particularly when aiming to portray characters with complex emotions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples, showing that the expression is most commonly found in news and media sources and suggests suppressed emotion or irony. While the phrase itself is grammatically correct and relatively common, writers should be mindful of the specific nuance they wish to convey, ensuring that the phrase adds depth and clarity rather than being a vague or unnecessary detail. The most frequent authoritative sources are The New Yorker, The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mouth contorted

Focuses on the overall shape change of the mouth, similar to a twist, but less specific about the direction.

lips pursed

Emphasizes the tightening and compression of the lips, suggesting disapproval or contemplation.

mouth grimaced

Highlights a strong, often negative, emotional expression involving the mouth.

a wry smile

Indicates a mocking or ironic smile, subtly different from a full, genuine smile.

a sardonic grin

Suggests a cynical or mocking smile, often conveying bitterness or skepticism.

mouth downturned

Emphasizes the downward turn of the mouth, indicating sadness or disappointment.

lips curled

Describes a slight upward movement of the lips, often associated with disdain or amusement.

facial distortion

Highlights an extreme expression on the face, which includes the mouth and overall facial features.

mouth set

Implies a fixed, determined expression around the mouth, often indicating resolve or stubbornness.

lips pressed together

Focuses on the action of the lips being tightly closed, suggesting suppression of emotion or speech.

FAQs

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

"Lips twisted" can be used to describe a facial expression conveying emotions such as bitterness, scorn, or irony. Example: "His "lips twisted" in a sneer as he listened to the absurd proposal."

What are some alternatives to "lips twisted"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "mouth contorted", "lips pursed", or "mouth grimaced".

Is "lips twisted" a formal or informal expression?

"Lips twisted" is a neutral expression that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in descriptive writing.

What does it mean when someone's "lips twisted"?

When someone's ""lips twisted"", it typically indicates a suppressed emotion, such as distaste, bitterness, or a sardonic reaction. It suggests a complex emotional state that isn't easily expressed through a simple smile or frown.