stern mouth

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stern mouth" is not a commonly used expression in written English, but it is grammatically correct.
You can use it to describe someone whose mouth conveys a serious or strict demeanor, often implying a lack of warmth or friendliness. Example: "Her stern mouth suggested that she was not in the mood for any nonsense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

They hear Stern mouth his mantra about growth and increased revenues as if it is an N.B.A. birthright.

The New York Times - Sports

My only mental picture of Steiner (1861-1925) came from a dim black and white photo showing a stern mouth and X-ray eyes that made me glad this guy wasn't our headmaster.

The New York Times

Discovered in 1805, the rock formation, a series of five red granite ledges 40 feet high and 25 feet wide, formed a heavy brow, a prominent nose, a jutting chin and a stern mouth.

The New York Times

The betyl's typical geometric features are here transformed into a stylized face, with deeply incised eyes, heavy eyebrows, a straight nose and a small stern mouth, all placed on a very flat surface.

The New York Times - Arts

There won't be any need for telescreens or security cameras; the cops live behind every face, waiting for your mistake, and then they burst out: flesh bulging and shredding, liquefied skin running down into the sudden tight collar of authority, and a grim stern mouth sneering where there was once the face of a friend, a doctor, a teacher, someone you knew.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's a stern but agreeable mouth-filling summer wine with more than usual herbal or grassy overtones, suitable for seafood prepared with dill and tarragon, as Mr. Borghese wrote in his letter.

The New York Times

But then there are those folks with mouths as stern as minus signs, their faces like fists; they could use a little expressive therapy, for sure.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then, only feet behind the stern, the whales emerge with mouths wide open, rocking the boat intensely.

Huffington Post

Mr. Asimov's stern pronouncement: "Thin and harsh in the mouth, with a hot finish".

The New York Times - Food

I still can't force words from my mouth, but I fall on the ship's stern next to my ten year old son, who looks like he's seen a ghost.

Huffington Post

Likewise, Gran Sims, the tough-as-nails juvie warden with a ridiculously foul-mouth from Angry Boys, earned the young inmates' affection as a stern but fair mother figure.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stern mouth" when you want to specifically emphasize the mouth as the focal point of a person's serious or disapproving expression. It adds a touch of detail that a general term like "stern face" might miss.

Common error

Avoid using "stern mouth" in casual or lighthearted writing. The phrase carries a formal and somewhat literary tone, making it unsuitable for everyday conversations or informal narratives. Use it in moderation to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stern mouth" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "stern", which modifies the noun "mouth", to depict a specific characteristic. As Ludwig AI explains, this creates an image of seriousness or disapproval.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stern mouth" is a grammatically sound but infrequently used expression, categorized as an adjective-noun phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a mouth that conveys seriousness or disapproval. Primarily found in News & Media contexts, it serves to depict a severe or strict demeanor. While correct, writers should consider more common alternatives like "serious expression" to enhance clarity and broader appeal. When using "stern mouth", be aware of its slightly formal tone and ensure it fits the overall style of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tight-lipped expression

Indicates restraint and unwillingness to speak or express emotions, closely related to a stern demeanor.

strict mouth

Indicates a rigid and uncompromising demeanor conveyed through the mouth's expression.

grim expression around the mouth

Highlights the 'grim' aspect, indicating unhappiness or seriousness reflected specifically in the mouth area.

austerely set mouth

Highlights the disciplined and rigid nature of the mouth's expression, conveying a sense of strictness.

severe facial expression

Focuses on the overall facial expression rather than just the mouth, implying a broader sense of disapproval.

forbidding mouth

Suggests that the mouth expression discourages approach or familiarity, implying a level of severity.

disapproving lips

Emphasizes the lips as the vehicle of disapproval, rather than the entire mouth area.

unsmiling mouth

Simple and direct, focuses on the absence of a smile to convey seriousness or unhappiness.

resolute mouth

Implies determination and firmness through the expression of the mouth, suggesting a strong will.

determined mouth

Suggests a firm resolve through the expression of the mouth.

FAQs

How can I describe someone's serious expression?

Besides "stern mouth", you can use phrases like "severe facial expression", "grim expression", or "unsmiling face" to describe a serious expression.

What does it mean to have a "stern mouth"?

Having a "stern mouth" suggests that someone's mouth appears serious, strict, or disapproving. It often implies a lack of warmth or friendliness in their expression.

Is "stern mouth" a common expression?

While grammatically correct, "stern mouth" is not a very common expression. Alternatives like "serious expression" or "grim face" are more frequently used.

Can I use "stern mouth" to describe an object?

Yes, "stern mouth" can be used metaphorically to describe an object, like a rock formation, if it resembles a stern or disapproving mouth. For example, "The rock formation had a heavy brow, a prominent nose, a jutting chin and a "stern mouth"".