taut skin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taut skin" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to skin that is stretched tightly or firm. Example: The athlete's taut skin rippled with every muscle movement as she crossed the finish line.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

She is a handsome woman, with thin lips and taut skin.

The New Yorker

On the Web site, taut skin and good jaw lines abound.

The New York Times

In the countryside, ribs poke from under the taut skin of livestock.

The New York Times

He wore a yellow sarong around his waist; his ribs pressed through the taut skin on his bare torso.

The New York Times - Magazine

With its taut skin, terse smile, soft beard and imperious gaze, it is part Pan, part Merlin, part Rasputin.

The New York Times - Arts

Aged 37, he has taut skin, clenched eyes and string lips which give him the look of a man leaning permanently out of an express train window.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Spring onions, also called new onions, are freshly dug bulbs with taut skins, their green shoots still attached.

The New York Times - Food

In the summer, he can eat perfectly ripe peaches, still warm from the tree, and dark, sweet plums whose juices squirt out when a tooth breaks through their taut skins.

The New York Times - Food

In her role as the Tru-Blu inspector, she picked through a pallet of pint containers and removed a picture-perfect sample: rotund berries with taut skins and perfect bloom, the powdery, silvery appearance of a blueberry still on the bush.

The New York Times - Food

Six picture-perfect oversize ducks with taut mahogany skin sloshed in a pool of pan drippings.

The New York Times - Food

Her face was still formidable — sharp bones, taut brown skin, steel-gray hair combed straight up.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's physical appearance, use "taut skin" to convey youthfulness, health, or even tension, depending on the context. For example, "His face was gaunt, the taut skin stretched over sharp cheekbones."

Common error

Be mindful not to overuse "taut skin" in descriptions where it's physically improbable, such as describing very elderly or malnourished individuals, unless specifically highlighting an unnatural or surgically enhanced appearance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taut skin" primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "taut", meaning stretched or tight, with the noun "skin", to describe a particular quality of the skin. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples illustrating its use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

16%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "taut skin" is a common and grammatically correct descriptive term primarily used in news, media and scientific writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively describes skin that is stretched or tight, often conveying youthfulness, health, or tension. While versatile, it's essential to use it appropriately, avoiding overuse in unrealistic scenarios. Alternatives like "firm skin" or "tight skin" can be used depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

firm skin

Emphasizes the firmness and resilience of the skin rather than the tightness.

tight skin

Highlights the lack of looseness in the skin, similar to tautness.

stretched skin

Focuses on the skin being pulled or extended.

smooth skin

Highlights the absence of wrinkles or imperfections.

youthful skin

Implies skin that is firm and resilient, typically associated with youth.

resilient skin

Highlights the skin's ability to bounce back and maintain its shape.

unwrinkled skin

Focuses on the absence of wrinkles as a sign of firmness.

supple skin

Highlights the skin's flexibility and elasticity.

elastic skin

Emphasizes the skin's ability to stretch and return to its original form.

clear skin

Focuses on the absence of blemishes and imperfections.

FAQs

How can I describe "taut skin" in a sentence?

You can describe "taut skin" by focusing on its appearance and feel, for example: "Her face had a youthful glow, with taut skin that belied her age", or "The starvation victim's ribs showed through the taut skin stretched across his torso".

What are some alternative ways to say "taut skin"?

Some alternatives include "firm skin", "tight skin", or "stretched skin", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "taut skin" in formal writing?

Yes, "taut skin" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when providing detailed physical descriptions in scientific, medical, or literary contexts. Its appropriateness depends on the overall tone and purpose of the writing.

What does "taut skin" imply about a person's health or age?

"Taut skin" can imply youthfulness and good health, but it can also, in certain contexts, suggest tension, starvation, or surgical enhancement. The specific implication depends heavily on the surrounding descriptive details.