Grimace at... or grimace to... ?

Question

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)

I hope this helps.