a kind expression

USAGE SUMMARY

"a kind expression" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a type of spoken or written statement that conveys goodwill and kindness. For example, "The letter of condolence was filled with a kind expression of sympathy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Instead of a hooded black cloak and a scythe, however, Death in this telling wears a checkered housecoat and a kind expression on his skull.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In the days following Fumiko's death, Philippe would show me his notes, strewn with one-of-a-kind expressions, Fumikoisms copied down in a minuscule but legible lycée script.

The New Yorker

So, if "justifying experience" is a natural kind expression, we cannot be certain that experiences that seem to provide justification for beliefs will really provide that justification, and vice versa.

SEP

She had short curly hair, a youthful face, and a kind, joyful expression.

The New Yorker

A historian of war once theorised that in those cases, where the determination to maintain that your war was right and justified even in the face of the facts, you become a kind of expression of imperialism – as warped and contradictory as, for example, the Iraq war.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the artistic movement they founded, Mr. Tjupurrula and the other Papunya painters drew on Dreamings for inspiration, developing a kind of expression that owes nothing to European tradition but instead borrows symbols and patterns from body paintings and sand drawings associated with Aboriginal sacred ceremonies.

The New York Times - Arts

Nonetheless, his anger was apparently judged by many other men, and by some women, to be admirable, as a kind of expression of masculinity: so admirable that it enabled him to redefine the hearings in terms of his suffering, his struggle, his martyrdom, his career — his reality.

The New Yorker

According to expression categories on the Chernoff face images, welding quality was classified into five levels and each level just corresponded to a kind of expression.

Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing

There are times when our public discourse seems to have become one of hypersensitivity and discourtesy, ham-fistedly combined, of reaction, stridency and paranoia - a kind of expression of poor listening.

BBC

Thus expressivists of the narrower sort must identify a kind of expression which allows them to distinguish the way in which "Lying is wrong," expresses the attitude that generates its semantic value, from the way in which "I disapprove of lying," or even "I think that lying is wrong" might express the very same attitude.

SEP

"It was always when I was putting my faith in a project, and I got that a lot through various songs in my career -- songs I'd written and even some of the covers -- but generally some of the songs I wrote that there is a kind of expression which is quite powerful," Somerville related, "I've done that on this album".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a kind expression" to describe someone's facial appearance or demeanor that conveys friendliness, empathy, or goodwill. It can be a powerful way to show, rather than tell, a character's nature.

Common error

Avoid using "a kind expression" as a substitute for genuine character development. Ensure that the kindness you describe is reflected in the character's actions and interactions, not just their face.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a kind expression" functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun (often a person) to indicate their outward appearance or demeanor. Ludwig shows this usage in describing a character's physical attributes and their associated emotional quality.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a kind expression" is a descriptive phrase used to depict someone's appearance or demeanor as friendly and empathetic. Though rare, it's grammatically correct and can be effectively employed in writing to quickly convey a character's positive nature. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is found in both News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral register. For alternative phrasing, consider "a gentle look" or "a warm countenance". When using this phrase, make sure the described kindness is reflected in the character's actions, enhancing character development beyond mere physical description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gentle look

Focuses on the visual aspect of kindness, specifically in one's appearance.

a compassionate demeanor

Highlights the overall attitude and behavior displaying empathy.

a warm countenance

Emphasizes the welcoming and friendly aspect of someone's face.

an affable manner

Shifts the focus to the overall pleasantness and approachability of a person.

a sympathetic face

Highlights the display of empathy through facial features.

a benevolent attitude

Emphasizes the underlying intention of kindness and goodwill.

a gracious air

Conveys elegance and kindness combined in one's presence.

a considerate approach

Focuses on thoughtful and careful behavior towards others.

a tender gaze

Emphasizes the soft and caring quality of someone's look.

a humane outlook

Highlights the overall compassion and concern for others' well-being.

FAQs

How can I describe someone who looks friendly without using "a kind expression"?

You could use alternatives like "a gentle look", "a warm countenance", or "a sympathetic face" depending on the context.

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

It typically means their facial features and demeanor convey friendliness, empathy, and goodwill. It suggests an approachable and caring nature.

Is "a kind expression" only related to facial features?

While often associated with facial features, "a kind expression" can also encompass someone's overall demeanor, including their body language and tone of voice. For example a "a kind voice".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a kind expression" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to quickly establish a character's positive and approachable nature, or to highlight a moment of empathy or understanding. Make sure that the character's actions align with their appearance.