a narrow visage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a narrow visage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's face that is thin or slender in appearance. Example: "The artist captured her subject's essence perfectly, highlighting a narrow visage that conveyed both elegance and intensity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stateside, our otters have longer necks and a narrower visage; making them seem more lanky and boyish.

Huffington Post

It differs from the European otter by its longer neck, narrower visage, the smaller space between the ears and its shorter tail.

Wikipedia

A narrow hotel room.

The New Yorker

IT WAS a narrow victory.

The Economist

He had a narrow life.

The New Yorker

"There's a narrow space.

The New York Times

Use a narrow toothed comb.

WikiHow

It was a narrow street.

The New Yorker

IT WAS a narrow squeak.

The Economist

A narrow victory.

Harvard University

A narrow escape.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a narrow visage", consider the context and audience. It may be more appropriate for literary or historical writing than for contemporary conversational English. Modern alternatives like "thin face" or "slender face" might be clearer and more accessible.

Common error

Avoid using "a narrow visage" in everyday speech or informal writing. The phrase can sound stilted or pretentious if not used appropriately. Opt for simpler and more direct descriptions when possible.

Linguistic Context

"A narrow visage" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where "narrow" modifies the noun "visage". It is used to provide a physical description, specifically focusing on the shape and dimensions of someone's face. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and describes someone's face that is thin or slender in appearance.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a narrow visage" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a face that is thin or slender. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and provides context. However, it's important to recognize that the term "visage" lends a formal, sometimes even archaic, tone to the phrase. Due to its relative infrequency in contemporary English, it's more suited for literary or historical writing than for everyday conversation. When aiming for clarity and accessibility in modern contexts, consider using simpler alternatives such as "thin face" or "slender face".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a thin face

Replaces "visage" with the more common word "face" and "narrow" with "thin", making it more straightforward.

a slender face

Substitutes "narrow" with "slender", offering a slightly more elegant connotation.

a lean face

Uses "lean" as a synonym for thin, implying a healthy or athletic appearance.

a long, thin face

Adds "long" to further specify the shape, emphasizing length in addition to thinness.

a gaunt face

Implies thinness due to illness or hardship, adding a specific context not necessarily present in the original phrase.

a pinched face

Suggests a tight or drawn facial expression, changing the emphasis from shape to expression.

a sharp face

Focuses on the angularity and defined features of the face, rather than its width.

a sunken face

Suggests a hollow or emaciated appearance, which is a more extreme form of narrowness.

a finely chiseled face

Emphasizes the sculpted or defined nature of the facial features, altering the descriptive focus.

a delicate face

Shifts the focus to the fineness and fragility of the facial features, rather than just the narrowness.

FAQs

What does "a narrow visage" mean?

The phrase "a narrow visage" describes a face that is thin or slender. The word "visage" is a somewhat formal or literary term for face.

What can I say instead of "a narrow visage"?

You can use alternatives like "a thin face", "a slender face", or "a lean face" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a narrow visage"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. However, it's a somewhat formal and less common way to describe someone's face. Modern alternatives might be more suitable in many contexts.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a narrow visage"?

It's most appropriate in literary writing, historical fiction, or formal descriptions where a more elevated or old-fashioned tone is desired. In everyday conversation, simpler alternatives are generally preferred.