put your lips

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put your lips" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to physical actions, such as kissing or speaking. Example: "When you sing, make sure to put your lips close to the microphone for better sound quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

You put your lips against the baby's stomach and blow.

The New Yorker

You just put your lips together and blow.

The New Yorker

You just put your lips together and reprogram your pager.

The New York Times - Tech

You just put your lips together and blow," from "To Have and Have Not".

The New Yorker

And I made a caramel pie that was just about the best thing you ever put your lips around".

The New York Times - Food

"And then how do you get the chicken into the bladder?" "You just put your lips together and blow".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Put your lip over your head... and swallow," they're not the nicest lot.

Huffington Post

Put your lip gloss on.

WikiHow

Put your lip gloss on slowly and carefully.

WikiHow

Make sure you put your lip balm/gloss in a clean container.

WikiHow

To speed up this process you can put your lip gloss into the fridge.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone on how to play a wind instrument, use "put your lips" to describe the proper embouchure for producing sound.

Common error

Ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a physical action (like kissing) or a figurative one (like speaking). Otherwise, rephrase for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "put your lips" functions primarily as a verb phrase used to describe a physical action involving the lips. As Ludwig AI shows, it describes actions of kissing, forming sounds, or applying something to the lips. The phrase generally implies directing the lips towards something or into a certain position.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

32%

News & Media

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "put your lips" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe various actions involving the lips, from kissing to playing musical instruments. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across different contexts, particularly in Wiki and News & Media sources. While generally informal, its specific meaning is highly context-dependent, and writers should ensure clarity to avoid ambiguity. The related phrases provide alternatives that offer subtle differences in meaning, allowing for more precise expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

press your lips

Implies a firmer contact than simply putting lips together.

form your lips

Refers to shaping the lips into a particular form, such as for whistling or speaking.

purse your lips

Refers to tightening or puckering the lips, often indicating disapproval or thought.

part your lips

Describes opening the lips slightly, often in anticipation of speaking or receiving something.

smack your lips

Involves audibly bringing the lips together, often expressing anticipation or satisfaction.

pout your lips

Describes pushing the lips forward, typically indicating displeasure or flirtatiousness.

move your lips

Focuses on the action of the lips moving without specifying the reason.

wet your lips

Involves moistening the lips, often done unconsciously or intentionally.

apply lipstick

Specifically refers to the act of applying lipstick to the lips.

use lip balm

Specifically refers to the act of applying lip balm on the lips.

FAQs

How to use "put your lips" in a sentence?

You can use "put your lips" in sentences describing actions like kissing, applying makeup, or forming sounds, such as "put your lips together" to whistle.

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

Alternatives depend on the context. If referring to kissing, consider "press your lips". For speech, you might say "form your words".

Which is correct, "put your lips" or "place your lips"?

Both "put your lips" and "place your lips" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts, although "put your lips" is more common in informal settings.

What's the difference between "put your lips" and "purse your lips"?

"Put your lips" generally refers to bringing your lips to a specific location or position. "Purse your lips" describes tightening them, usually expressing disapproval or thoughtfulness.