purse your lips

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "purse your lips" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to tighten or pucker your lips together, often to show disapproval or thoughtfulness. Example: She pursed her lips in disapproval as she watched her son misbehave in the store.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

In über, it tells you to purse your lips as if to say oo but then try to pronounce ee.

The New York Times - Magazine

This makes your mouth squinch up, it makes you purse your lips like Kim Kardashian posing for a selfie.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One example for the neck: purse your lips together as if you're going to kiss someone, look up at the sky until you feel the stretch in your neck, hold the position for 10 to 15 seconds and then release the kiss.

The New York Times

Purse your lips and furrow your brow: You've just made a sign for "no" that's the same all over the world, Discovery News reports.

Science Magazine

Just purse your lips and whistle.

Huffington Post

Next, purse your lips and exhale to the count of eight as though blowing out a birthday candle.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

3. Take a drink from the bottle, keeping contact between the bottle and your lips by pursing your lips and using a sucking motion.

The Guardian

Remove traces of rubber residue by pursing your lips and exhaling upon the page while concurrently brushing it with the side of your gloved pinkie finger.

The New York Times

It was clear as you pursed your lips and shrugged off the congratulations of colleagues that something deeper was troubling you.

The New York Times - Sports

If you hold a pencil between your teeth, forcing your mouth into the shape of a smile, you'll find a cartoon funnier than if you hold the pencil pointing forward, by pursing your lips round it in a frown-inducing way.

The Guardian - Books

This has a double meaning, first pursing your lips usually means you are withholding information.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "purse your lips" when describing a deliberate action, often expressing disapproval, contemplation, or preparation for certain actions like whistling or kissing.

Common error

While "purse your lips" is a valid expression, overuse in casual conversation can sound stilted or overly formal. Opt for simpler descriptions like "tighten your lips" or "make a face" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "purse your lips" primarily functions as a verb phrase describing a specific action performed with one's lips. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. The action often indicates a non-verbal communication cue, such as disapproval or contemplation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

25%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "purse your lips" is a verb phrase describing the action of tightening one's lips, often to express disapproval, thoughtfulness, or as preparation for another action. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and commonly used. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to slightly formal contexts. Common usage includes descriptions in news articles and instructional guides, as evidenced by examples from The New York Times and WikiHow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pucker your lips

Focuses on the act of drawing the lips together into a small, rounded shape.

tighten your lips

Emphasizes the tension and firmness in the lips.

compress your lips

Highlights the act of pressing the lips together.

draw your lips together

Describes the action of bringing the lips closer.

contract your lips

Focuses on the muscle contraction involved in the action.

pout your lips

Suggests a more pronounced and possibly exaggerated form of lip movement.

press your lips

Emphasizes the physical act of applying pressure with the lips.

clamp your lips shut

Indicates a firm and resolute closure of the lips.

form a moue with your lips

Implies a small, pursed expression often associated with displeasure.

make a kissing face

Describes a facial expression resembling preparation for a kiss.

FAQs

How can I use "purse your lips" in a sentence?

You can use "purse your lips" to describe someone tightening their lips to express disapproval, think deeply, or prepare for an action. For example, "She pursed her lips when she heard the bad news."

What does it mean to "purse your lips"?

To "purse your lips" means to contract or tighten them, often indicating disapproval, thoughtfulness, or a preparatory action like whistling. It's a facial expression conveying a specific emotion or intention.

What can I say instead of "purse your lips"?

You can use alternatives like "pucker your lips", "tighten your lips", or "compress your lips" depending on the context.

Is "purse your lips" formal or informal?

"Purse your lips" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal expression. It's appropriate for both written and spoken contexts, though simpler alternatives might be preferred in very informal settings.