What is the proper use of the word grimaced? Is it grimaced at or to a person's remark? –Teodoro G., The Philippines
Answer
Grimace, which refers to a facial expression that shows disgust or pain, can be either a noun or a verb, as shown in the following sentences:
The patient made a painful grimace as the doctor examined his wound. (grimace is a noun)
The patient grimaced when his wound was touched. (grimace is a verb)
When the noun (thing) that causes someone to grimace is the indirect object of the verb, follow this pattern: grimace + at + noun, as in these examples:
The rescue worker grimaced at the sight of the plane crash.
The driver grimaced at the dead animal in the middle of the road.
She grimaced at her uncle's remark.
To help you remember this, think about the word smile, which behaves the same way. Smile can be a noun or a verb, and when the noun that causes someone to smile is the indirect object of the verb, it follows the same pattern: smile + at + noun:
He gave a big smile. (smile is a noun)
He smiled when he opened the door. (smile is a verb)
The driver smiled at the kids as they climbed on the bus. (smile + at + noun)
