a face mask

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a face mask" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a mask worn on the face for protection, health, or cosmetic purposes. Example: "During the pandemic, wearing a face mask became a common practice to prevent the spread of the virus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And a face mask".

The Guardian - Travel

"A face mask?" "Respro makes one.

The New Yorker

He wears a face mask.

The Guardian

On bad days, she wore a face mask.

The New Yorker

There was not a face mask in sight.

The New Yorker

People feel pretty brave behind a face mask.

The New York Times - Sports

Day 28: Apply a face mask of avocado and honey.

The New Yorker

Our patient was covered in wires, IV lines, a face mask for oxygen.

Stanford University

Technical isolation, including a face mask and a cap  .

Annals of Intensive Care

Ventilation was assisted with a face mask using 100%% oxygen.

JA Clinical Reports

We had a surgical gown, gloves, and a face mask.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing health or safety, specify the type of "a face mask" (e.g., surgical, N95) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a face mask" as a catch-all term. Different types of masks offer varying levels of protection; specify the type when relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a face mask" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

31%

News & Media

23%

Science

23%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a face mask" is a common noun phrase used to describe a covering worn on the face for various purposes, including protection, medical procedures, and cosmetic treatments. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and wide-ranging use. Depending on the context, it is beneficial to specify the type of mask for greater clarity. The register varies from formal in scientific contexts to informal in general discussions. When writing about health or safety, being specific about the type of mask being discussed ensures the message is clear and effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mask for the face

Reorders the words for a slightly different emphasis.

facial covering

Focuses on the covering aspect rather than the specific type of mask.

face covering

More generic and might include scarves or bandanas used as masks.

face protector

Highlights the protective function of the mask.

full face mask

Emphasizes the area covered by the mask.

cosmetic face mask

Specifies the cosmetic purpose of the mask.

surgical mask

Specifies a type of mask commonly used in medical settings.

respiratory mask

Specifies the purpose of protecting the respiratory system.

dust mask

Specifies a type of mask for protection against dust.

n95 respirator

Refers to a specific type of high-filtration mask.

FAQs

How do I use "a face mask" in a sentence?

You can use "a face mask" to describe wearing a protective covering over your face. For example, "She wore "a face mask" to protect herself from the dust."

What's the difference between "a face mask" and "a facial mask"?

"A face mask" generally refers to a protective or medical mask, while "a facial mask" typically refers to a cosmetic treatment. Context is key to understanding which is meant.

Which type of "a face mask" is best for preventing the spread of viruses?

N95 respirators and surgical masks offer better protection against viruses compared to cloth face coverings. However, any "face covering" is better than none.

What can I say instead of "a face mask" in a medical context?

In a medical context, you can use more specific terms like "surgical mask", "N95 respirator", or "respiratory mask" for greater precision.