a serious expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious expression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's facial expression that conveys seriousness or a lack of humor. Example: "When she heard the news, her face took on a serious expression that indicated she understood the gravity of the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A serious expression replaced the winning smile.

The New Yorker

Now that's a serious expression of disgust.

The New York Times

She puts on a serious expression and droops her head.

The Guardian - Music

Rodriguez watched the video with a serious expression.

The New Yorker

Though he looks casual in a leather jacket, he wears a serious expression.

The New York Times

In one sketch, the bear has a serious expression and a tie: "VOTE ALAN".

The Guardian - Books

A uniformed police officer stepped toward me with a serious expression.

The New York Times - Travel

Or — " He cupped his hands over his groin, making a serious expression.

The New Yorker

That's why the usually garrulous Mr. Yasuda strikes a serious expression after he distributes temaki.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Throughout the film, it keeps reasserting itself, coming from the giant boom box of Radio Raheem (Bill Nunn), a tall, broad-shouldered guy with a flattop, a focussed, serious expression, and a BED-STUY DO OR DIE T-shirt.

The New Yorker

But the FIFA evaluation group said it was impressed by Qatar's master plan, which had been developed by the Frankfurt-based architecture and planning firm Speer and Partners and overseen by the firm's founder, Albert Speer, Jr. Speer, Jr., an eighty-two-year-old with a perennially serious expression and a fondness for energetic hand motions, is one of Germany's best-known urban planners.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's reaction to news or events, use "a serious expression" to effectively convey their understanding of the situation's gravity.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "a serious expression" in close proximity within your writing. Vary your descriptions by incorporating synonyms like "a solemn countenance" or "a grave demeanor" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious expression" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It serves as the object of a sentence, describing the facial appearance of a person conveying a sense of gravity or thoughtfulness. Ludwig provides many examples illustrating its correct usage in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Science & Research

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious expression" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a facial appearance conveying thoughtfulness, concern, or a lack of humor. As Ludwig AI underlines, it's used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, with a neutral register. For richer descriptions, alternatives like "a solemn countenance" or "a grave demeanor" can be employed. Be mindful of overuse and potential for misinterpretation. The phrase serves to communicate non-verbally a person's state of mind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solemn countenance

Replaces "expression" with a more formal word, emphasizing the overall appearance of the face.

a grave demeanor

Shifts the focus to the overall behavior and attitude, rather than just the facial expression.

an earnest look

Highlights the sincerity and honesty conveyed by the expression.

a somber face

Focuses specifically on the facial appearance, emphasizing sadness or seriousness.

a stern visage

Uses a more archaic and formal term for "face", implying strictness or disapproval.

a humorless mien

Emphasizes the absence of humor in the person's appearance and attitude.

a thoughtful appearance

Suggests deep contemplation and seriousness, moving beyond mere lack of amusement.

a grim face

Implies negativity or displeasure, adding a layer of severity to the expression.

a no-nonsense attitude

Moves away from the physical expression to focus on the person's overall approach.

an unsmiling face

Simply states the absence of a smile, emphasizing the lack of levity.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a serious expression" in a sentence?

You can use "a serious expression" to describe someone's facial appearance when they are thoughtful, concerned, or conveying that they understand the gravity of a situation. For example, "He listened to the news with "a serious expression" on his face".

What are some alternatives to "a serious expression"?

Alternatives to "a serious expression" include "a solemn countenance", "a grave demeanor", or "an earnest look". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a serious expression" in formal writing?

Yes, "a serious expression" is suitable for formal writing, as it is grammatically correct and widely understood. However, consider using more sophisticated vocabulary such as "a solemn countenance" or "a grave mien" to maintain formality.

What's the difference between "a serious expression" and "a sad expression"?

"A serious expression" suggests thoughtfulness or concern, while "a sad expression" directly conveys sorrow or unhappiness. They are related, but not interchangeable. A character may have "a serious expression" while contemplating a problem, but "a sad expression" when grieving a loss.