a fixed expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fixed expression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a phrase or saying that has a specific meaning and is commonly used in a particular context. Example: "The phrase 'kick the bucket' is a fixed expression that means to die."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

He surveyed his charges with a fixed expression you'd perhaps characterise as anticipatory indigestion.

The Guardian

The canonised writers of the past have a tendency to assume a fixed expression in their readers' imaginations.

The Guardian - Books

"That's J.D.," said Jimmy Ellzey, who stood studying the wreckage of the Tivoli Hotel on Tuesday with a fixed expression.

The New York Times

A slender forty-nine-year-old with salt-and-pepper hair and a fixed expression, he wore a dark suit with a collarless striped shirt.

The New Yorker

The trouble with late-Victorian masochistic fantasy, Kucich explains, is that it "exploits a disarticulated middle-class social consciousness" and gives it new form; it is not a fixed expression of social relations so much as equipment designed to generate social discourse (84).

University of California, Berkeley

Since Ms. Bouder is now at such an impressive stage of accomplishment, it's worth belaboring the main drawback of her performances: She makes too much of looking straight out at the audience (as if at the mirror) with a fixed expression.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Matt Damon is also no slouch as Scott Thorson, Liberace's lover of four rather incredible years, while Rob Lowe steals every scene he's in as a plastic surgeon with a hilarious fixed expression, half grimace, half smile.

The Guardian - Film

"One motif that drives my aesthetics is a controlled and fixed expression of motion and movement".

Vice

We considered significant differences in mean expression, as well as the number of genes regulated at a fixed differential expression threshold (absolute log 2 ratio = 0.5).

Genome Biology and Evolution

During the hearing, Bowers sat slouched over the table, wearing a fixed somber expression while prosecutors listed the charges against him and reminded him that he could receive a death sentence if convicted.

The Washington Post

Individuals with SJS1 are characterized by a skeletal dysplasia, including kyphoscoliosis, joint contractures, and myotonia resulting in a fixed facial expression and prolonged muscle contractions (Nicole et al. 2000; Stum et al. 2006).

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's emotional state, use "a fixed expression" to convey a sense of detachment, shock, or suppressed feelings. This is particularly effective when contrasting the expression with an expected emotional response.

Common error

Avoid using "a fixed expression" to describe a fleeting emotion. This phrase implies a sustained, almost unnatural lack of change in facial expression, not a momentary feeling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fixed expression" functions primarily as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, typically to describe the facial expression of a person. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase is used in various contexts to denote a lack of emotional change or a deliberate control over one's facial features.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fixed expression" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that describes a face devoid of changing emotions. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it often implies underlying tension or suppressed feelings. Related phrases include "a set expression" or "a frozen expression", each carrying subtle differences in meaning. Remember to use this phrase when describing a sustained lack of emotional change, not a fleeting feeling. Ludwig's data indicates that the phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, highlighting its utility in objective reporting and character descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a set expression

Emphasizes the conventional or established nature of the expression.

a frozen expression

Highlights the lack of movement or change in the expression.

an unchanging expression

Focuses on the constant nature of the facial expression.

a blank expression

Suggests a lack of emotion or thought being conveyed.

a rigid expression

Implies stiffness or lack of flexibility in the facial expression.

a stony expression

Conveys a cold or emotionless facial appearance.

a vacant expression

Indicates a lack of intelligence or awareness.

a deadpan expression

Refers to a deliberately emotionless or neutral expression, often used for comedic effect.

a constant expression

Highlights the continuous and unwavering nature of the expression.

an emotionless expression

Directly states the absence of emotion in the facial appearance.

FAQs

How can I use "a fixed expression" in a sentence?

You can use "a fixed expression" to describe someone's face when they're trying to hide their emotions, are in shock, or are being deliberately expressionless. For example, "He stared ahead with "a fixed expression" during the difficult meeting."

What does it mean when someone has "a fixed expression"?

It generally indicates that their face isn't showing much emotion, which could be due to shock, concentration, or a deliberate attempt to conceal feelings.

What can I say instead of "a fixed expression"?

You can use alternatives like "a set expression", "a blank expression", or "a frozen expression" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more common to say "a fixed expression" or "a fix expression"?

"A fixed expression" is the correct and more common phrase. "A fix expression" is grammatically incorrect in this context and rarely used.