pair of lips

USAGE SUMMARY

'pair of lips' is a correct and usable phrase in English.
It can be used to describe the lips of a person. For example, "She had a beautiful pair of lips."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

New post: a pair of lips, shining wetly.

The New Yorker

The screen filled with the band's logo, a pair of lips, and an animated woman.

The New York Times

Put a pair of lips on the heart and that's what Shirley sounded like".

The Guardian - Music

Rolling up her right sleeve, she showed the visitor a tattoo of two pair of lips on her forearm.

The New York Times

A puff of air, a pulse of the lungs, rushes up the windpipe and through the vocal cords, parting them like a pair of lips.

The New Yorker

But new research out of Toronto seeks to challenge depictions of the Tyrannosaurus rex, suggesting that its fearsome incisors might have been hidden behind a pair of lips.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

No one wants to see some sad sack drive through Idaho trying to sell a smokeless ashtray but they love seeing two dudes get up trying to sell a pair of lip balms that mix to create different flavors because these guys have seen so many entrepreneurs do their little dance on stage that they think they have a chance.

TechCrunch

Why care about a pair of lip syncing men who won, then lost, a Grammy 24 years ago?

Huffington Post

Plus, have two better-looking pairs of lips ever met?

The New York Times

Clive Tyldesley spoke with suspicious authority on the Bluebell Girls of the Lido Cabaret, David Guetta pretended to fiddle with dials on a mixing desk, and a few unlucky women were dressed up as giant pairs of lips.

The Guardian - Sport

"Easy to Remember" (2001), in which 15 pairs of lips collectively hum a Rodgers and Hart song that Ms. Simpson remembers, in a John Coltrane version, from her childhood, is like a lullaby "Ode to Joy".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pair of lips" to personify objects or concepts in creative writing.

Common error

Avoid using "pair of lips" to describe objects that don't naturally possess lips, as this can lead to confusing or unintentionally humorous imagery. Be mindful of the context and ensure it aligns with your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pair of lips" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a descriptive element within a sentence. It serves to identify and characterize a specific facial feature. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used, illustrated by examples showing it used to describe physical appearance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pair of lips" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase to describe a person's lips. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, the phrase is acceptable and versatile, finding its place in various contexts, especially in News & Media. While seemingly straightforward, its usage adds a layer of detail and personality to descriptions, contributing significantly to both creative and informative writing. Be mindful of your audience and context to ensure appropriateness, and consider using related alternatives like "lips" or "mouth" for diverse writing needs. The phrase's descriptive power is undeniable, as it allows writers to paint vivid pictures with their words.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set of lips

Uses "set" instead of "pair".

the lips

Adds a definite article.

lips

Shortened version referring to the same anatomical feature.

mouth

Refers to the entire oral cavity including the lips.

shape of lips

Focuses on the form of the lips.

pout

Describes a specific shape or expression of the lips.

kissing mouth

Emphasizes the function of the lips.

form of the mouth

A more elaborate description of the facial feature.

labial feature

More formal and anatomical term.

oral aperture

Highly formal and clinical term.

FAQs

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

You can use "pair of lips" to describe someone's features, such as: "She had a striking "pair of lips" that caught everyone's attention."

What are some alternative ways to say "pair of lips"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "lips", "mouth", or "pout" to describe the same feature.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "pair of lips" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience. More formal contexts might benefit from terms like "labial feature" or simply referring to the "mouth".

What does it mean when someone describes something as resembling a "pair of lips"?

This usually implies that the object or shape has a suggestive or sensual form, mimicking the appearance of human lips.