set of teeth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set of teeth" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a person's complete set of teeth, including all their natural teeth or any artificial replacements such as dentures. Example: I went to the dentist for a routine check-up and she said I have a healthy set of teeth. The shark had a menacing set of teeth that struck fear into its prey. I accidentally dropped my phone and it landed on my set of teeth, causing one of them to crack.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I never realized a had a "narrow" set of teeth.

Huffington Post

A set of teeth.

The New Yorker

A catalytic mechanism has a sharp set of teeth.

Harvard Business Review

I've got the best set of teeth in the Bronx".

The New Yorker

"Three rescues, four consults and one set of teeth".

The New York Times

"Nice set of teeth you've got there, butt," came the observation from a glowering forward.

The Guardian - Sport

Russell raised funds for a new set of teeth, and in 1943 Bunk reappeared in public.

The New Yorker

A handsome set of teeth also makes people want to smile.

The New York Times - Health

"My girlfriend says it, as well," he replies, flashing a Hollywood-ready set of teeth.

The Guardian - Film

When he smiled, he revealed a surprisingly dazzling set of teeth.

The New Yorker

I have seen people with a full set of teeth losing them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's smile, consider using more descriptive adjectives with "set of teeth" such as "bright", "healthy", or "well-maintained" to add detail.

Common error

Avoid using overly common phrases like "perfect set of teeth" without providing specific details about what makes them so, such as their alignment, whiteness, or shape.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set of teeth" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a complete collection or arrangement of teeth, whether natural or artificial. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set of teeth" is a grammatically sound and widely used noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It primarily serves a descriptive function, referring to the complete collection of teeth. While its register is generally neutral, it appears across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific articles. Ludwig's analysis shows that the phrase is frequently used in news sources, with scientific and wiki sources also being common. When using "set of teeth", consider adding descriptive adjectives to enhance detail and avoid overuse of clichés. Alternatives like "dentition" offer a more formal tone for specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dentition

Formal term referring to the arrangement and condition of teeth.

tooth structure

Focuses on the anatomical composition of the teeth.

rows of teeth

Emphasizes the physical arrangement of teeth in the mouth.

pearly whites

Informal and descriptive, emphasizing the color and appearance of teeth.

natural teeth

Emphasizes that the teeth are original and not artificial.

dental array

Highlights the arrangement and alignment of teeth.

false teeth

Specifically refers to artificial teeth or dentures.

dental formula

Technical term referring to the arrangement and types of teeth in a species.

chompers

Informal, often humorous, term for teeth.

smile

Refers to the visual effect of teeth, focusing on appearance.

FAQs

How can I describe a person's smile using "set of teeth"?

You can use descriptive adjectives like "a dazzling "set of teeth"" or "a well-maintained "set of teeth"" to add detail to your description.

What is a more formal way to refer to a "set of teeth"?

A more formal term is "dentition", which refers to the arrangement and condition of teeth.

Is it appropriate to use ""set of teeth"" in scientific writing?

Yes, ""set of teeth"" is acceptable in scientific writing, although more technical terms like "dental formula" or "dentition" may be more precise depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "a perfect "set of teeth"" to avoid clichés?

Consider using phrases like "a flawlessly aligned "set of teeth"" or "a brilliantly white "set of teeth"" to provide more specific and engaging descriptions.