mouth slightly open

USAGE SUMMARY

'mouth slightly open' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are describing a person's facial expression or posture. For example, "Sam stood still, his mouth slightly open in shock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Kitaru, mouth slightly open, stared at me in amazement.

The New Yorker

Head back, mouth slightly open, he sleeps for a few seconds before waking up.

The Guardian - Business

Pharrell listened with his mouth slightly open and his brow furrowed.

The New Yorker

I push my nose into the glass and breathe in with my mouth slightly open, as instructed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Dean consistently showed anger by pressing his lips together or tensely holding his mouth slightly open," Mr. Hill said.

The New York Times

He stood there for a moment with his mouth slightly open, and then he pointed to himself.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Antiope's chubby chin is lifted, her mouth slightly opened as if in a snore, snouty nostrils upturned, an arm wrapped about her head exposing tufts of armpit hair.

The New Yorker

His mouth hangs slightly open.

The Guardian

If the mouth is slightly open when both longitudinal and circular muscles of the trunk contract, fluid flows out of the internal space, and the body shrinks.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her usually vituperative red mouth was slightly open.

Huffington Post

The donkey's ears are pricked back and its mouth is slightly open as if it were dully aware something is happening.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a sleeping person, "mouth slightly open" can add a touch of realism and vulnerability to the scene.

Common error

Don't use "mouth slightly open" when the context requires a more expressive term like "gaping mouth" or "wide-open mouth". Overusing "slightly" can weaken the impact of your descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mouth slightly open" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun (usually a person or animal) by providing a specific detail about their facial expression. Ludwig AI confirms this as correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

21%

Reference

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mouth slightly open" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase to describe a facial expression. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in written English. It serves to provide visual detail, often suggesting emotions such as surprise, relaxation, or contemplation. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, its neutral register makes it versatile for various descriptive purposes. Alternatives include "lips parted" or "ajar mouth", offering nuanced variations for more precise depictions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mouth a little open

A simple rephrasing using "a little" instead of "slightly".

partially open mouth

Replaces "slightly" with "partially" to convey a similar degree of openness.

lips parted

Focuses on the lips being separated, a key component of the original phrase.

lips ajar

Similar to "lips parted" but uses "ajar" for a slightly more formal tone.

ajar mouth

Emphasizes the state of being open, albeit slightly, with a more concise term.

mouth a crack

Emphasizes a very small opening of the mouth.

unclosed mouth

Directly states that the mouth is not completely closed.

slack jaw

Implies a relaxed or surprised state with the mouth open.

gaping mouth

Indicates a wider opening of the mouth, often suggesting surprise or shock.

mouth agape

Describes a state of wonder or shock where the mouth is wide open.

FAQs

How can I describe a similar expression to "mouth slightly open"?

You can use alternatives like "lips parted", "ajar mouth", or "partially open mouth" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when someone's mouth is slightly open?

A "mouth slightly open" can indicate a variety of emotions, including surprise, confusion, relaxation, or even sleepiness. The specific meaning depends heavily on the context and other facial expressions.

Is it grammatically correct to say "mouth slightly open"?

Yes, "mouth slightly open" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English to describe a physical characteristic or expression.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "mouth slightly open" in writing?

The phrase "mouth slightly open" is appropriate when describing a character's physical appearance or emotional state, adding detail and realism to the scene. Consider if alternatives like "slack jaw" or "lips ajar" might be more fitting for specific contexts.