a fine face

USAGE SUMMARY

"a fine face" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe someone's physical appearance, specifically their facial features. Here are a few examples: - The actress had a fine face with delicate features and piercing blue eyes. - Despite his tough appearance, he had a fine face with soft, kind eyes. - The portrait captured her fine face in great detail, from the freckles on her nose to the curve of her smile.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"He used to be such a handsome man, with a fine face and large eyes.

The New Yorker

"Having a fine face to start with she made of it a work of art.

The Guardian - Books

He was continually covered with marble dust and had a fine face that verged on beauty and looked like an angel who had fallen to earth.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"One of them, with a very fine face, was stout, wore a long robe, and had on her head a most becoming top of a basket.

The New Yorker

He has the fine face of a brave, the chiselled nose and high cheekbones.

The Guardian - Travel

The first lady falls for her doctor, a man with "a fine, serious face... not just a good doctor, a good man".

The New York Times - Books

She is still "a sturdy specimen, athletic," without makeup but with a "fine, bold face" and a good figure — rather like Iris, in fact.

The New Yorker

As Masha, Kazan gives folly a fine comic face, but she doesn't sufficiently tease out the ugly recklessness of the character's malignant hysteria.

The New Yorker

He paid a fine and faces no additional punishment from the university.

The New York Times - Sports

As well as a fine, BNP Paribas faces a temporary suspension of its authority to clear US dollar transactions.

The Guardian - Business

Men who force their wives or daughters to wear a burqa or hiqab will face a fine of US$38,000 and face up to a year in prison.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fine face" to emphasize the positive aesthetic qualities of someone's facial features, particularly in descriptive writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a fine face" can sound antiquated in contemporary conversation. Opt for more common descriptors like "handsome" or "beautiful" for everyday use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fine face" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It's used to characterize someone's face as attractive or pleasing, emphasizing its aesthetic qualities. Ludwig shows examples where it modifies "man" and other similar nouns.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fine face" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone's attractive facial features, as confirmed by Ludwig. While accurate and effective, its usage is relatively rare and leans towards a more formal or descriptive style. Ludwig's examples showcase its presence in news and media contexts. Consider using related phrases like "a handsome face" or "a beautiful face" for greater impact, especially in contemporary settings. While grammatically sound, keep in mind that "a fine face" can be considered antiquated and might not resonate as strongly with modern audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A handsome face

Focuses specifically on masculine attractiveness.

A beautiful face

Emphasizes overall beauty and aesthetic appeal.

An attractive face

A more general term for pleasing facial features.

A striking face

Highlights a face that is memorable and attention-grabbing.

A well-defined face

Focuses on the structure and shape of the face.

A pleasant countenance

A more formal and somewhat archaic way to describe a pleasing face.

A comely visage

An old-fashioned term for an attractive face, particularly in women.

A prepossessing face

Suggests a face that makes a good first impression.

A classic face

Implies facial features that adhere to traditional standards of beauty.

An elegant face

Emphasizes gracefulness and refinement in facial features.

FAQs

How can I use "a fine face" in a sentence?

You can use "a fine face" to describe someone's attractive facial features, as in "He was known for his athletic physique and "a fine face"".

What are some alternatives to "a fine face"?

Some alternatives include "a handsome face", "a beautiful face", or "an attractive face", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a fine face" a formal or informal expression?

"A fine face" leans towards a more formal or literary register, particularly when compared to more common phrases like "a pretty face" or "a good-looking face".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a fine face"?

It is appropriate to use "a fine face" in descriptive writing, historical fiction, or when aiming for a slightly elevated or old-fashioned tone.