pair of cheeks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'pair of cheeks' is usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a person's face in an informal or colloquial way. For example, "He had a cute pair of cheeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We stood very close, face to face, and his features were defined by the most sunken pair of cheeks a man could have without whittling away the underlying bones of his skull.

The New Yorker

Even then he can't resist collapsing into Proustian digression: "To begin with, as my mouth began gradually to approach the cheeks which my eyes had tempted it to kiss, my eyes, in changing position saw a different pair of cheeks; the throat, studied at closer range as though through a magnifying glass, showed a coarser grain and a robustness which modified the character of the face".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

At birth an elephant has two or three pairs of cheek teeth in each jaw.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In these scenes, Simpson and Yates are played by two actors, Brendan Mackey and Nicholas Aaron, who filmed on location in Peru and in the French Alps, and of whom we often see no more than a pair of peeling cheeks.

The New Yorker

Don't get us wrong, we've got nothing against Jeff Koons Baroque Eggg with Bow (~$7 million) or Robert Gober's funky sculpture of musical notes printed across a pair of ass cheeks (~$3 million).

Huffington Post

Soon the sound of snapping saplings crackles from the undergrowth, and a face pokes from the treeline: two chocolate eyes, a pair of puffed-out cheeks and a wrinkled muzzle, framed by a mantle of cinnamon fur.

BBC

An enormous pair of buttocks, the cheeks held apart by a pair of hands, towers against a wall midway through Anthea Hamilton's installation, based on a ludicrous 1970s proposal by designer Gaetano Pesce for a doorway into an Upper East Side apartment building in New York.

The Guardian - Arts

Besides a pair of furiously red cheeks, alcohol gives me heart palpitations and makes me feel as if my skin is hot.

Vice

A pair of rosy, healthy cheeks beats that malnourished super-model look any-day.

WikiHow

Wu looked less like a theologian than like an actor who'd play the kindly father in a Chinese soap opera: in his mid-fifties, he had a large, handsome face, a perfect pair of dimples in his cheeks, and a resonant voice that sounded somehow familiar.

The New Yorker

A dark band above a brighter band might be a pair of eyes above some cheeks.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's appearance, consider using "pair of cheeks" to add a touch of informality or endearment. However, be mindful of the context, as it may not be appropriate in formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "pair of cheeks" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "facial features" or simply "face" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pair of cheeks" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used to describe a person's face. Ludwig examples show its usage in descriptive contexts. Its grammatical function is to act as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pair of cheeks" is a grammatically correct but relatively rare noun phrase used to describe someone's face. According to Ludwig, it is considered usable in written English, typically referring to a person's face informally. While suitable for descriptive writing and casual conversation, it's best to avoid using it in formal or professional contexts, as shown by the examples. Alternative phrases, such as "facial features", may be more appropriate in those situations. Although deemed correct by Ludwig AI, its infrequent usage suggests being mindful of the audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Cheekbones

Focuses specifically on the bone structure rather than the fleshy part of the face.

Apples of the cheeks

Refers to the rounded part of the cheeks that become prominent when smiling.

Chubby cheeks

Emphasizes the roundness or fullness of the cheeks.

Rosy cheeks

Highlights the color of the cheeks, often associated with health or beauty.

Puffy cheeks

Indicates swelling or distention in the cheek area.

Facial features

Broader term encompassing all aspects of the face, including the cheeks.

Hollow cheeks

Describes cheeks that are sunken or gaunt.

Cheek area

A more general term for the region of the face where the cheeks are located.

The sides of the face

Descriptive phrase indicating the lateral aspects of the face.

Countenance

A more formal or literary term for the face or facial expression.

FAQs

How can I use "pair of cheeks" in a sentence?

You can use "pair of cheeks" to describe someone's face in a casual or descriptive way. For example: "He had a cute pair of cheeks", or "Her rosy pair of cheeks glowed in the sunlight."

What are some alternatives to "pair of cheeks"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "facial features", "cheekbones", or simply "face". The best choice depends on the level of detail and formality you want to convey.

Is "pair of cheeks" a formal expression?

No, "pair of cheeks" is generally considered an informal or colloquial expression. It's best suited for casual conversation or descriptive writing, rather than formal or professional contexts.

When should I avoid using "pair of cheeks"?

Avoid using "pair of cheeks" in formal writing, professional communication, or any situation where a neutral or objective tone is required. In such cases, more appropriate alternatives include "face" or "facial features".