a distinct face

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distinct face" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a face that is easily recognizable or has unique features that set it apart from others. Example: "The artist captured the essence of her subject, portraying a distinct face that conveyed a wealth of emotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The central figure's mouth is positioned directly on its neck, rather than on a distinct face.

Wikipedia

Alanine scanning mutagenesis and homology modeling have suggested a spiral pattern on the S4 domain of residues mutations to which perturb activation, with inactivation-perturbing mutation positions mapped to a distinct face of the S4 helix [38,45].

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - General Subjects

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Now, the way this scene plays out is truly bizarre: when Marley and Kevin lock eyes, the latter's face carries a distinct look of terror the kind of terror that a small child feels when seeing a stranger they find threatening.

Vice

It was a shock to catch sight of her leaner, more distinct face, and to be conscious of a grace that I had not noticed before.

The New Yorker

The Dodge Ram, with the most distinct face among pickups and a redesign for 2002, has the unenviable job of taking on Ford and General Motors in the pickup truck segment.

Forbes

One of Mr. Schreyer's first moves was to establish a distinct Kia face.

The New York Times

What struck us as strange -- not having seen "wild" garnets before -- was that each crystal was essentially the same shape, a rounded chunk displaying distinct faces, almost as if it had been cut by a jeweler.

The New York Times - Arts

These results demonstrate that the ferrocenyl moieties attached to the meta-positions of a benzene ring communicate electronically with each other, as a result of their distinct face-to-face orientations.

Electrochimica Acta

Sliding clamps are dimers or trimers of identical subunits aligned head-to-tail, forming a highly-conserved, toroidal structure with two structurally distinct faces and a central cavity large enough to encircle double-stranded DNA and slide freely along it.

eLife

But as a city, Helsinki has two distinct faces.

The Guardian

For an attempt to adjudicate this debate by appeal to distinct "faces," or concepts of responsibility (discussed later in this entry), see: Echenique 2012: ch. 2. 6.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distinct face" to describe a character in fiction or a person in real life whose features are easily identifiable or memorable. For instance, "The detective searched for a suspect with a distinct face that witnesses could recall easily."

Common error

While grammatically correct, repeatedly using "a distinct face" in formal writing can sound repetitive. Consider alternatives like "unique visage" or "recognizable features" to add variety and sophistication to your prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distinct face" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or complement of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes a face that is easily recognizable or has unique features.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distinct face" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that describes a face with easily recognizable or unique features. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across different contexts. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science, with a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. When using this phrase, remember to consider alternatives like "a unique visage" in more formal settings and avoid overuse to maintain stylistic variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique visage

Replaces "face" with "visage" for a more formal or artistic tone, emphasizing uniqueness.

a recognizable face

Focuses on the quality of being easily recognized or remembered.

a memorable countenance

Uses "countenance" for a more literary or old-fashioned feel, stressing the lasting impression.

a striking appearance

Shifts the focus to the overall visual impact rather than solely the face.

a remarkable facial structure

Highlights the unusual or noteworthy arrangement of facial features.

a singular facial expression

Emphasizes the unique way someone conveys emotion through their face.

an individual aspect

Offers a broader description of a unique feature.

a characteristic feature

Highlights that the "face" is a typical part of the entire expression.

a peculiar physiognomy

Introduces a more scientific or clinical term for facial features, implying something unusual.

an unmistakable facade

Employs "facade" to suggest an outward appearance that may conceal something deeper.

FAQs

How can I describe a face that's not easily recognizable?

Instead of "a distinct face", you might say "an unremarkable face", "a common face", or "a forgettable face" depending on the context.

What are some more formal alternatives to "a distinct face"?

For a more formal tone, consider phrases like "a unique visage", "a remarkable countenance", or "a striking appearance". These options add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your writing.

Is it always necessary to use the article "a" before "distinct face"?

In most cases, yes. The article "a" is necessary when referring to a single, specific face. However, you might omit it in certain contexts where you're discussing the general concept of distinctiveness in faces.

How does "a unique face" differ from "a distinct face"?

"A unique face" implies that the face is one-of-a-kind and unlike any other, while "a distinct face" suggests that the face has features that make it easily identifiable or memorable. The emphasis shifts from absolute uniqueness to noticeable differentiation.