two cheeks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "two cheeks" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to the two rounded fleshy parts on either side of a person's face. Example: She blushed and her two cheeks turned bright red.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"You know, you only have two cheeks," he said.

The Washington Post

They kissed clumsily — he went for two cheeks when she meant to do only one.

The New Yorker

You only got two cheeks, so how long are you going to wait before you whip their ass?" Another huge cheer erupts from the Brooklyn crowd.

The Guardian - Film

Lord Tebbit is dismissed as a "sneer on legs, snarling and heaping contempt on any vaguely liberal view", while the Conservative MPs Tony Marlow and Edward Leigh are described as "fat and complacent and looking like two cheeks of the same arse".

Independent

His hope, he says, is to go on to Oxford to read politics or history, before coming back to Newham and getting involved in politics, particularly on a local level, and perhaps as an independent candidate ("I see Labour and the Conservatives as two cheeks of the same backside").

The Guardian

"She was able to laugh at it once she went, 'Oh my gosh, I'm on the cover on my two cheeks.' " Hughes's ability to treat pressure lightly, to recover from gaffes with grace, makes her more of a challenge to Kwan.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Alex Woodyard's 30-yard effort put Town ahead and although Jordan Burrow's shot levelled matters, two Cheek strikes and a Kenny Davis penalty put the visitors in control at 4-1.

BBC

I kiss a hundred cheeks and listen to a hundred stories about what a wonderful person my mother was.

The New Yorker

Using a metaphor he employed repeatedly during the campaign, he said: "If a backside could have three cheeks then they [the main parties] are the three cheeks of the same backside.

The Guardian

Voting for one of three cheeks of the same arse is not democracy as I know it.

The Guardian - Opinion

She cut just that one cheek.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's face, use "two cheeks" to emphasize symmetry or a balanced appearance.

Common error

Avoid using "two cheeks" in contexts where it's meant to represent a single entity or concept; ensure the duality is relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "two cheeks" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a direct object or part of a prepositional phrase to describe a physical attribute or an action involving both cheeks. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "two cheeks" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase, primarily functioning to describe physical attributes or actions involving both cheeks. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news, media, and general descriptions. While primarily descriptive, it can also carry metaphorical weight. When using the phrase, ensure the context calls for emphasizing the duality or symmetry of the cheeks. Remember that while alternative expressions exist, such as "both cheeks", the original phrase, "two cheeks", maintains its clear and descriptive quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

both cheeks

Emphasizes the duality and symmetry of the cheeks.

a pair of cheeks

Highlights the cheeks as a set or matching pair.

facial cheeks

Specifies that the cheeks are located on the face, useful for clarity.

countenance

A more formal and general way to refer to the face, including the cheeks.

visage

A literary or artistic term for the face, where the cheeks are a prominent feature.

facial features

Broader term that includes cheeks as part of the face's composition.

aspect

Focuses on the appearance of the face, where cheeks contribute to overall look.

appearance

The general outward display of the face, inclusive of the cheeks.

mug

An informal term for face, referring to the general appearance of the cheeks

kisser

Colloquial term for face that underlines the visual prominence of the cheeks

FAQs

How can I use "two cheeks" in a sentence?

You can use "two cheeks" to describe physical appearance, like "Her face was flushed, with color rising in her "two cheeks"" or to refer to a gesture, such as "He kissed her on both "two cheeks" as a greeting".

What are some alternative ways to refer to "two cheeks"?

Depending on the context, you could use "both cheeks", "a pair of cheeks", or, more broadly, "facial features".

Is it always necessary to specify "two" when referring to cheeks?

Not always. If it's clear from the context that you're referring to a standard human face, "cheeks" alone may suffice. However, using ""two cheeks"" can add emphasis or clarity, especially when contrasting with a single cheek.

When is it appropriate to use "one cheek" instead of ""two cheeks""?

Use "one cheek" when describing an action or state that involves only a single cheek, such as "A tear rolled down one cheek" or "He rested his head on one cheek".