the lips that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the lips that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in poetic or descriptive contexts, often to refer to someone's lips in relation to speech, affection, or beauty. Example: "The lips that whispered sweet nothings lingered in his memory long after she was gone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The lips that parted involuntarily.

The New Yorker

She saw the lips that never fully met, leaving a small diamond-shaped gap at the center.

The New Yorker

"The deal is sealed and so are the lips that could trip him," said Mark McKinnon, a veteran Republican political strategist.

The New York Times

Taylor sports a fancy white waistcoat and a jabot with a jewelled pin, but there is a foxiness about the lips that makes you want to check your wallet.

The Economist

If there is such a thing as a unicyclist look, Hatleberg's got it: he is short and slight, narrow-shouldered, with curly, receding black hair and an anxious turn of the lips that recalls Horshack, from "Welcome Back, Kotter".

The New Yorker

He answered with a simple "No" accompanied by what might be a microfear expression, according to Dr. Ekman - a horizontal stretching of the lips that is often an effort to conceal fearfulness.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

WAHLBERG: And, just for the record, that is? COOGAN practises his inimitable half curl/half wobble of the lip that suggests complete and utter befuddlement.

The Guardian - Film

The lip that led to the legislation was pierced and fitted with a stainless steel stud four years ago, when Ms. Dalrymple was a 17-year-old high school senior.

The New York Times

Carol Phillips, a Clinique founder and a former editor at Vogue, came up with this shade in 1971 in an attempt to create a "black turtleneck" for the lip that would be a go-to for women of every ethnicity.

The New York Times

b Cluster of fresh flowers with short calyx lobes and a yellow band on the lip that continues down into the corolla tube.

Botanical Studies

Howley admitted Williams suffered "a nasty bump to the lip" that required stitches but Wales are hopeful that the Scarlets centre will be fit for selection for the second Test.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the lips that" in descriptive writing to add a touch of poetic or evocative imagery, especially when linking the lips to a specific action or quality.

Common error

Avoid using "the lips that" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more direct and concise phrasing unless a descriptive or literary effect is intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the lips that" functions as a relative clause modifying a noun, typically connecting the physical feature (lips) to an action, quality, or characteristic. Ludwig AI showcases its usage in varied contexts, primarily adding descriptive detail to people and their actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the lips that" is a relative clause used to add descriptive detail, often evoking a sense of imagery or emotion. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in contexts such as News & Media and Science. While primarily neutral in register, it is best used in descriptive writing where emphasizing the connection between lips and specific qualities is desired. Avoid overusing in highly formal or technical contexts. Alternatives include "the mouth that" or descriptions focusing on lip shape or color.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the mouth that

Substitutes "lips" with "mouth", providing a broader anatomical term.

the kiss that

Focuses on the action associated with lips, specifically kissing.

those lips which

Uses a more formal and somewhat archaic construction.

the shape of her lips

Emphasizes the physical form of the lips.

her rosebud mouth

Introduces a simile to describe the lips.

the vermilion lips

Uses a specific color to describe the lips, adding vividness.

the pouting lips

Highlights a specific expression or characteristic.

the smiling lips

Focuses on the action of smiling.

the sensual lips

Emphasizes a suggestive aspect.

the ruby red lips

Combines color and a precious stone to describe the lips.

FAQs

How can I use "the lips that" in a sentence?

Use "the lips that" to describe a person's lips while connecting them to a specific action or characteristic. For example, "The lips that whispered secrets were now silent."

What are some alternatives to using "the lips that"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "the mouth that", "those lips which", or descriptive phrases such as "her rosebud mouth".

When is it appropriate to use "the lips that"?

It's suitable for descriptive or poetic writing where you want to emphasize a connection between the lips and a particular action or quality. Avoid overuse in formal or technical contexts.

What's the difference between "the lips that" and "the mouth that"?

"The lips that" specifically refers to the lips, often in a descriptive or evocative way. "The mouth that" is a broader anatomical reference and may be more appropriate when referring to speech or eating, rather than just appearance.