mouth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mouth" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used in various contexts, such as discussing anatomy, speech, or metaphorical expressions related to speaking or expressing opinions. Example: "He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The nymph's extendable mouth parts, housed behind serrated jaws, are the stuff of a science-fiction nightmare, part of the inspiration for HR Giger's creature from the film Alien, a fragment from the palaeozoic era projected on to a dystopian future.

The Guardian

In the British Muslim community, by no means homogenous, Warsi should gain some support for putting her job where her mouth is over the distress of Gaza.

The Guardian

One of them told me 'shut your mouth or I will hit you so hard that your mouth will be full of blood'".

The Guardian

Word of mouth is your only hope; get people talking about you early on, and by the end of your week they'll be queuing around the block.

The Guardian

When a child dies of neglect or abuse, the local authority is accused of incompetence and negligence; if there is an outbreak of foot and mouth disease, claims about inadequate precautions are heard; former employees of companies which have collapsed during the recession demand to know why more has not been done to save their jobs.

The Guardian - Opinion

I had no experience as an arts correspondent - or any relevant expertise -but I figured I could fake it if I kept my mouth shut.

The Guardian - Opinion

The entire clip was filmed on location in Gibson's home territory of Pennsylvania's coal region, featuring the towns of Centralia, Jim Thorpe, Mahanoy City, Mt Carmel, Nesquehoning, Shamokin and Shenandoah; little happens aside from the looming sense of foreboding, tempered slightly by closeups of the Sub Pop heartthrob shovelling chips into his mouth.

The Guardian - Music

It has become the metal with which we are the most intimately acquainted; after all, we put it in our mouth almost every day.

The Guardian - Tech

On the way to hospital, she remembered she'd been taking a picture when it happened – she looked on her cellphone and there it was: me, holding the fish, and a sea lion mid-air, its mouth around my hand.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I used to sit with my hand over my mouth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The menace had been all German, the South Americans' anxiety prompting a huddle just inside the mouth of the tunnel as they sought urgency with the intrusive television cameras shoved away by Martín Demichelis.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the location of something, use "mouth" to refer to the opening of a cave, river, or other geographical feature. For example, "the mouth of the cave" or "the mouth of the river."

Common error

Overusing "mouth" in metaphorical expressions can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, consider using more vivid and descriptive language to convey the intended meaning. For example, instead of "the mouth of the storm", try "the heart of the storm".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "mouth" is a noun, referring to the opening in the face used for eating and speaking. It can also function as a verb, meaning to utter or speak. Ludwig provides examples of both uses, demonstrating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

20%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Music

10%

Books

10%

Travel

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "mouth" is a versatile word primarily functioning as a noun to denote the opening in the face used for eating and speaking. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It also functions as a verb, meaning to utter or speak. Found across various contexts, "mouth" is frequently seen in News & Media, Lifestyle, and Sport articles. The related phrases offer alternative ways to express similar concepts, while the writing guidance provides practical tips for effective usage. From anatomical descriptions to metaphorical expressions, "mouth" plays a crucial role in language, as shown by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oral cavity

Focuses on the anatomical aspect rather than the communicative or metaphorical uses.

oral opening

Emphasizes the opening aspect of the mouth.

lips

Highlights the outer part of the mouth

speech

Refers to the act of speaking that involves the mouth.

utterance

Focuses on the act of expressing something through the mouth.

gob

A slang term for mouth.

cakehole

An informal term for mouth, suggesting eating or talking.

word of mouth

Emphasizes how information spreads.

trap

A slang term referring to the mouth.

voice

Refers to the expression aspect involving the mouth

FAQs

How can I use "mouth" in a sentence?

You can use "mouth" in various contexts, such as describing the anatomical feature (e.g., "Open your mouth"), the opening of a geographical feature (e.g., "the mouth of the river"), or in idiomatic expressions (e.g., "word of mouth").

What are some synonyms for "mouth"?

Synonyms for "mouth" include "oral cavity", "lips", "gob" (slang), and "cakehole" (informal).

When is it appropriate to use the idiom "word of mouth"?

Use "word of mouth" to describe how information is spread informally through conversation, rather than through formal advertising or media.

Is it correct to use "mouth" to describe the opening of a cave?

Yes, "mouth" can be used to describe the opening or entrance of a cave, river, or other similar geographical feature. For example, "the mouth of the cave" is perfectly acceptable.