opened her mouth

USAGE SUMMARY

"opened her mouth" is a perfectly acceptable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe a figurative or literal action of opening the mouth of a subject. For example, "The student opened her mouth to respond to the teacher's question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

But then she opened her mouth.

Independent

She sat up and opened her mouth.

Independent

JJ stared at the wall and opened her mouth.

Independent

She was the student who rarely opened her mouth.

The New York Times

She barely opened her mouth, her lips and jaw immovable.

The New York Times

"She was good until she opened her mouth.

The New York Times

Actually, she never opened her mouth unless she had to.

The Guardian - Books

"Almost from the moment Erin opened her mouth I knew I had made a mistake".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The woman opens her mouth.

The Guardian

Opening her mouth she half expects the cries to amplify.

The New Yorker

'Look!' she opens her mouth and bares her teeth.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "opened her mouth" to create a vivid image of a character about to speak, especially in narrative writing. Consider the context; sometimes, a more specific verb like 'exclaimed', 'whispered', or 'shouted' might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "opened her mouth" excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your descriptions of speech to maintain reader engagement and avoid redundancy. Consider other options like "began to speak" or simply using dialogue without the descriptive action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opened her mouth" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of speech or another vocal action. Ludwig and the examples provided demonstrate its usage in describing a character's physical action preceding dialogue or expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "opened her mouth" is a common and grammatically sound phrase primarily used to indicate the beginning of speech or vocal action. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability, and the provided examples highlight its frequent use in news and media. While the phrase itself is neutral in register, its impact can be heightened by descriptive modifiers and careful consideration of context. Remember to vary your writing and avoid overuse, opting for more specific alternatives when appropriate. Keep in mind, too, that sometimes the phrase signifies more than mere communication, but surprise, fear, or even the beginning of a song.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to speak

Focuses on the initiation of speech, rather than the physical action.

started to talk

Highlights the commencement of a conversation or dialogue.

parted her lips to speak

A more poetic and descriptive way of saying "opened her mouth".

attempted to say something

Emphasizes the effort to communicate, whether successful or not.

was about to speak

Indicates an imminent action of speaking.

prepared to respond

Highlights the readiness to give an answer or reaction.

made to speak

Formal variation of beginning to speak.

vocalized

Focuses on the act of producing sounds.

uttered a sound

Emphasizes that sound was produced even if not speech.

broke the silence

Highlights the end of a period of quiet.

FAQs

What does "opened her mouth" typically mean in literature?

In literature, "opened her mouth" often signals the beginning of a character's dialogue or signifies a moment of revelation or decision. It can also be used to build suspense or emphasize the significance of what is about to be said.

How can I make the phrase "opened her mouth" more descriptive?

To make "opened her mouth" more descriptive, consider adding adverbs or adjectives that specify the manner or emotion behind the action. For example, "She hesitantly opened her mouth" or "She opened her mouth, a gasp escaping her lips" provide greater detail.

Are there any figures of speech that use the idea of opening one's mouth?

Yes, phrases like "cat got your tongue?" imply someone is unwilling or unable to open their mouth to speak. Similarly, "speaking out of turn" suggests someone opened their mouth at an inappropriate time.

What are some alternatives to indicate someone is about to speak other than saying they "opened her mouth"?

You can use alternatives like "began to speak", "started to talk", or "attempted to say something" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.