the cleavage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the cleavage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing anatomy, fashion, or art, typically referring to the space between a person's breasts or the separation created by a garment. Example: "The dress was designed to accentuate the cleavage, making it a popular choice for evening events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Is the cleavage real?

The Guardian - Arts

"Where's the cleavage?" Mr. Meisner asked.

The New York Times

Where is your tattoo?" "It's in the cleavage area".

The New York Times

You're bringing the cleavage for the rest of us".

The New York Times

"The cleavage registered after only a quick glance.

The New York Times

The cleavage was strange in a country that was long known for its ethnic tolerance.

The New York Times

You can already see the cleavage starting, with the White House's unqualified defense of Israel's retaliation.

The New York Times

Tesco said it had asked for the image of the cleavage to be covered.

The Guardian - Money

Teller: I'm asking myself the same question about the cleavage you're so classily flaunting.

The New Yorker

Mendel dress, and catapulting a baked potato into the cleavage of a tony brunette.

The New Yorker

The real work of signification is done in the "cleavage between words and meanings".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about fashion or personal appearance, be mindful of the connotations associated with "the cleavage" and use it appropriately, considering the context and audience. For more formal or scientific contexts, consider using terms like "intermammary sulcus" or "bust line".

Common error

Avoid using "the cleavage" in formal or professional writing where a more neutral or technical term would be more suitable. For example, in a medical document, it's better to use anatomical terms rather than a colloquial expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the cleavage" primarily functions as a noun phrase, referring either to the separation between a woman's breasts, or, more generally, to a split or division. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase appears in diverse contexts, as shown in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

47%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the cleavage" is a noun phrase that Ludwig AI identifies as grammatically correct and very common, used across various contexts from fashion and media to scientific discussions. It primarily refers to the separation between a woman's breasts or a more general division. While its register can range from neutral to informal, it's essential to consider the context and audience when using this phrase. More formal or scientific settings may require more precise anatomical terms. Related phrases include "the décolletage" and "the bust line", providing alternatives for different nuances. When using "the cleavage", writers should be aware of its connotations and potential for misinterpretation in various professional or scientific settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the bust line

Refers specifically to the line formed by the fullest part of a woman's breasts, omitting other meanings of cleavage.

the décolletage

Focuses on the exposed upper chest and neckline area, particularly in women's fashion, broadening the meaning.

the breast separation

Directly refers to the separation between breasts, maintaining the anatomical meaning but sounding less refined.

the intermammary sulcus

A medical term for the space between the breasts, changing the register to formal/scientific.

the central breast furrow

Refers to the central furrow formed by breast, used in a more clinical or descriptive context.

the area between the breasts

Describes the location explicitly, removing any implied sensuality or anatomical precision.

the median breast cleft

Focuses on the cleft or split between the breasts, used in more technical contexts, such as anatomy or fashion design.

the division

Generalizes the idea of a separation or split, applicable in various contexts beyond anatomy or fashion.

the separation

Similar to "the division", indicating a gap or space between two things, but lacking the specific connotations.

the gap

Highlights the space or interval between two things, losing the original context's nuances.

FAQs

How can I use "the cleavage" in a sentence?

You can use "the cleavage" when discussing fashion, anatomy, or social commentary. For example, "The dress accentuated the cleavage" or "The article discussed the societal perceptions of cleavage."

What are some synonyms for "the cleavage" in fashion contexts?

In fashion, you can use terms like "the décolletage" or "the bust line" as alternatives to "the cleavage", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "the cleavage" appropriate for scientific writing?

While understandable, "the cleavage" is generally not appropriate for scientific writing. More precise anatomical terms, such as "intermammary sulcus", are preferred for clarity and professionalism.

What is the difference between "the cleavage" and "the décolletage"?

"The cleavage" refers specifically to the separation between a woman's breasts, while "the décolletage" refers more broadly to the exposed upper chest and neckline area. The terms are sometimes interchangeable, but "the décolletage" is a broader term.